On the morning of June 24, the Flame Relay Starting Ceremony for the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games was held at Chongqing University. Following lighting the flame cauldron and torch, Li Xuerui, Chongqing's first torchbearer, kicked off the relay from Chongqing University Campus A. An Olympic champion and gold medalist from the London 2012 Olympic Games in women's badminton singles, Li now serves as an Associate Professor at Chongqing University. In total, 31 torchbearers will participate in the Chongqing University Campus A relay.
On June 24, Li Xuerui started the torch relay at Chongqing University Campus A. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui)
"I feel honored and thrilled to serve as a torchbearer for the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games," said Li Xuerui. "It brings me great pride to represent Chongqing and Chongqing University." She expressed her hopes for all participants to demonstrate their energy and youthful spirit on such an esteemed stage and present their finest performances to the global audience.
A performance at Chongqing University Campus A before the start of the torch relay of the Chengdu FISU on June 24. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui)
Li Xuerui disclosed her plans to form a coaching team with other Olympic champions and former teammates with world championship titles, including Wang Shixian, Cai Yun, and Gao Ling. This is anticipated to be a highlight of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games.
The FISU World University Games, second in scale only to the Olympics, showcases the pinnacle of university student competition. The Chengdu 2021 FISU Games, being the first significant international sports event after the 20th CPC National Congress and China's adjustment to COVID-19 prevention and control policies, and also being the first international multi-sport event in West China, has drawn nationwide and global attention.
Scheduled to run from July 28 to August 8, the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Flame Relay, themed "Strive for Dream in Your Youth," features 800 torchbearers and 100 escort runners. On July 28, the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Torch Tower will be illuminated at the Dong'an Lake Sports Park Stadium, inviting the entire world to join in this celebration of youth.
Chongqing University marks the fourth stop of the Flame Relay, following Peking University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Shenzhen University. Torchbearers from Chongqing include the "King of Difficulty," Yang Jian, a world diving champion; Wei Qiuyue, former captain of the China women's national volleyball team and world champion; and Yang Jiayu, a leading Chinese female racewalker and a gold medalist over 20 km at the 2017 World Championships in Athletics, among other notable athletes. Gu Li, a go player hailing from Chongqing with eight world championship titles to his name, will be the final torchbearer in the city.