Chongqing - The Chinese delegation, comprising about 530 athletes and officials, will participate in the 31st FISU World University Games opening ceremony, including 460 members (athletes, leaders, and coaches) from 21 different sports teams.

Guo Hanyu, an outstanding tennis player from Southwest University, who has secured a gold medal in the national games and a scholarship, will act as a flag bearer. Joining her as a fellow flag bearer will be Hu Zhenzhuo, an accomplished volleyball player from Tsinghua University, who has also excelled in the national games and received a scholarship. At 10 a.m., July 29, Guo Hanyu will participate in a women's singles tournament.

Guo Hanyu (right), a tennis player from Southwest University, will act as a flag bearer at the 31st FISU World University Games opening ceremony. (Photo/The 31st FISU World University Games)

Spare no effort, leave no regrets

It is the second time for 25-year-old Guo Hanyu to attend the FISU World University Games. She paired with Ye Qiuyu to clinch the women's doubles gold at the last edition in Naples in 2019. Guo Hanyu emphasized that she is wholeheartedly committed to giving her best performance in the upcoming games, with the primary goal of leaving no regrets rather than solely fixating on clinching the championship.

Influenced by her family, she embarked on her tennis journey at the tender age of 8. After two years of training, she won the gold medal in the provincial game, further fueling her determination to pursue a career as a professional tennis player. As she reflects on her remarkable 17-year journey, the women's doubles final in the 30th FISU World University Game held in Naples, Italy, stands out in her memory.

Guo Hanyu is training for the FISU World University Games. (Photo/The 31st FISU World University Games)

During that tournament, she claimed the gold medal, making it a remarkable comeback for the champion title in the tennis women's doubles since the 2001 FISU World University Games held in Beijing, where Li Na and Li Ting had secured the gold medal. Guo Hanyu revealed that while the pressure is inevitable, she embraces it as a source of motivation.

Success in doubles tournaments heavily relies on perfect cooperation with a partner. Guo Hanyu highlighted that a strong bond she and her other three teammates nurtured since a young age and training together have honed their ability to collaborate effortlessly. As a result, they approach the upcoming tournaments with confidence.

(Yang Yuanchun, as an intern, also contributed to this report)