The University of Mauritius Staff Club (USC) had the great pleasure and honour of welcoming Mr Qiao Yuanxu, the Chairman of Joy Billiards International, at the premises of the club. Professor Kavi Khedo, Vice-Chancellor of the University welcomed Mr Qiao and expressed his deep gratitude to Mr Qiao for his visit and donation to the staff club. The President of the USC, Professor Henri Li Kam Wah, said that the donation of a Heyball table to the club will enrich its recreational facilities and foster camaraderie, skill at the game and healthy competition. He urged staff members and students to make full and good use of the Heyball table.
Mr Qiao Yuanxu was born in Harbin in 1952. For many years, he has been dedicated to the development of Heyball and has initiated two flagship intellectual properties: JOY Billiards Table and World Heyball Masters. He is the initiator and promoter of the dream of Heyball’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Heyball originated in China during the mid-1980s to 1990s. In 2006, Qiao Yuanxu organized tournaments to promote Heyball. In 2012, Stephen Hendry was signed as the global ambassador for Heyball. Today, Heyball is popular in 90 countries and has a community of over 210 million enthusiasts.
During the short visit, Mr Qiao inaugurated the Heyball table which he generously offered to the staff members of USC. In his speech, he wished that this sport becomes popular among the staff and students of the University. He sincerely hopes to visit again in the near future.
The visit and donation was facilitated by Dr Venisha Gooriah Jugnarain, President of Mau Pool Organisation, Mr Doorga Ujodha, Secretary of the USC, Mr Moorgayen Aurmoogum and other members of the USC.
Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius assisted USC to welcome Mr Qiao Yuanxu and his team, provided logistical support and translation services for the event. CI-UoM deeply appreciate the support to our community on campus and thank Mr Qiao for his generosity and vision.
Professor Kavi Khedo, Vice-Chancellor of UoM (3rd from right) welcoming Mr Qiao Yuanxu (2nd from right) and Dr Venisha Gooriah Jugnarain, President of Mau Pool Organization
Mr Qiao Yuanxu’s address to the audience at the University Staff Club
Welcome at CI-UoM classroom for refreshments