Moroccan student Ayoub Fadil. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

A foreign student who jumped into Jinsha Lake in Qiantang district, Hangzhou to save a drowning woman on the night of April 6 has been identified as Ayoub Fadil, a Moroccan student majoring in software engineering at the International Education College of Hangzhou Dianzi University.

Also known locally by his Chinese name You Bo, he has studied in Hangzhou for two years.

Ayoub was first recognized as the hero of the hour by his classmate Azimjon Umidjon Ugli Akhmadjonov, an Uzbek student, who praised Ayoub's football skills. His homeroom teacher, Liu Yixuan, said she was not surprised by the news, noting that his bravery reflects his character. Quiet by nature, Ayoub is an accomplished football player and an active participant in community volunteering activities.

According to Ayoub, he was walking by Jinsha Lake with his girlfriend and fellow international student, Israe, when they heard cries for help and spotted someone struggling in the water about five meters from the shore. Without hesitation, he threw aside his phone, took off his shoes and swam nearly six meters into the deep water, managing to pull the person back to safety in about three minutes. The couple remained at the scene for around 20 minutes to ensure the victim was unharmed before returning to campus.

"I didn't think much at the time — it was urgent," Ayoub said. Israe added that this was not his first rescue. At the age of 17, he saved another person from the sea in his hometown in Morocco.

Fadil and his girlfriend Israe. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]