Chongqing - July 28th marks the highly anticipated opening of the 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu. Following the successful hosting in 2001 and 2011, it is Chinese mainland's third time organizing the Games and the first time for a comprehensive international sports event in western China.
July 28th marks the highly anticipated opening of the 31st Summer World University Games in Chengdu. (Photo/The event organizer)
As one of the world's largest and most prestigious sports extravaganzas, each edition attracts thousands of student-athletes to compete. With the slogan "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True," Chengdu extends a sincere invitation to the world. From July 28th to August 8th, the Games promises continuous excitement and remarkable performances.
Spectacular yet simple opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Games will take place at the Dong'an Lake Sports Park Main Stadium on the evening of July 28th. The organizers have adhered to the principles of "simple, safe, and splendid," with a cast of nearly 2,000 actors and volunteers and a total duration of less than 100 minutes. The artistic performances have been condensed to just 15 minutes.
The opening ceremony's theme perfectly aligns with the slogan "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True." According to Chief Director Chen Weiya, to present more excitement in a limited time, the organizers have incorporated various creative elements to make essential ceremonial moments unforgettable while infusing the event with a high artistic level. The extensive use of advanced technology allows for imaginative and spatially impressive displays within a limited timeframe.
Archery and water polo kicked off
The archery and water polo competitions commenced a day before the opening ceremony. The Chinese university archery team debuted in the recurve bow competition, marking the first appearance of the Chinese delegation in the Games.
After a day of intense competition, the Chinese team secured victories against Poland and India in the women's recurve bow team event, advancing to the finals.
Chinese athletes aim for the first gold medal
The first gold medal of this Games will be awarded in the Wushu competition, scheduled for the morning of July 29th. The men's Nanquan event will be the first to start, with Sichuan athlete Cao Maoyuan representing the Chinese team.
Cao Maoyuan has been practicing Wushu since age five and has persisted in the sport for over 20 years. Currently enrolled at the Chengdu Sports University, he has participated in numerous competitions and won national, provincial, and city championships.
In preparation for the event, Cao Maoyuan and his teammates underwent 28 days of closed training. In a previous interview, he expressed his hope of winning the gold medal on his home turf.
Rookies and veterans gather in Chengdu
The event is often called the "Little Olympics," where countless sports stars kickstart their legendary careers.
This year's Chinese delegation consists of more than 700 members, with 411 athletes from over 100 universities in 25 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities participating in all 18 events.
The average age of the athletes is 22.9 years old, with 387 making their debut in the Games and 344 representing China in comprehensive international sporting events for the first time. Only 24 athletes have previously participated in past editions.
In other words, the Chinese delegation for this Games will be led by fresh faces. However, among the young athletes, many familiar figures are known to the public. For instance, divers Zhang Jiaqi and Zhang Yufei, swimmer Qin Haiyang, and gymnasts Zou Jingyuan and Zhang Boheng will all grace the stage of the Games.
Tonight, the event will officially kick off, bringing together the dreams of young athletes worldwide. This summer, Chengdu makes dreams come true.