FISU World University Games host city, participants excited for action as athletes’ village opens
A flag-raising ceremony is held on July 22 in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, during the opening of the games village for the Chengdu FISU World University Games. Located on the campus of Chengdu University, the village will host athletes and team officials during the event, which starts on July 28 and runs through Aug 8. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
The 31st FISU World University Games will showcase 18 sports in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan province, from July 28 to Aug 8, with the Games Village opening on July 22 to house the athletes.
Wang Jiayi, vice-minister of education and vice-president of the sports event’s organizing committee, welcomed the opening of the village.
“Standing in the village, we now send a sincere invitation to athletes from all countries and regions to take part in the celebration of youth, enhance our mutual understanding, promote friendship and carry forward the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom for all mankind,” Wang said.
Eric Saintrond, secretary-general and CEO of the International University Sports Federation, said that the village is “one of the best we’ve ever had” and hailed the ceremony as the best of its kind.
“After two years of postponement, athletes from all over the world will gather in Chengdu to compete and explore the future together. The village’s opening is a symbolic moment,” Saintrond said. Originally scheduled to be held in 2021, the event was postponed twice due to COVID-19.
“We know the great efforts the organizing committee, the Chinese authorities and thousands of volunteers have put in to make this possible. This village will be one of the greatest legacies of the Chengdu FISU Games,” he said.
The 800,000-square-meter village, located on the campus of Chengdu University, can accommodate 11,000 people. The largest noncompetition venue of the games will provide 24-hour services for athletes and team officials until Aug 11.
According to Xian Rongsheng, the village head, it is equipped with self-driving buses, new-generation intelligent translation services, and other technological facilities.
It will host activities including those aimed at highlighting traditional Chinese culture and promoting cultural exchanges between young people from different delegations, he said.
The Chinese delegation was the first one to move into the village, and a welcome ceremony was held on July 22. The delegation comprises more than 700 people, including 411 athletes from more than 100 universities in 25 provincial regions. Chinese athletes will participate in all 18 sports at the games.
The Brazil delegation arrives in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on July 21 to take part in the FISU World University Games. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Adam Stigborn, the competition manager for the Swedish University Sports Federation, said his excitement is based on a preparatory trip to Chengdu earlier this year.
“It was the first time I visited China and I left with many impressions. Firstly, the size of Chengdu … is impressive. I would have liked to have seen more of the greenery which is ever-present around Chengdu,” he said.
“Sichuan hot pot is something not to be missed during the weeks I’ll spend in Chengdu!” he enthused.
Sweden’s 14 athletes will have the opportunity to take part in organized tours to explore the sites and culture of the city.
“Very few of the student-athletes are there just for the competition days, and I hope they will have enough time to also discover the city and the local culture,” Stigborn said.
Turkish athletes were also excited about the games.
Abdullah Tugluk, a 24-year-old athlete representing Istanbul’s Halic University, is hopeful of winning a medal in the 3,000m steeplechase. As he trained at Istanbul’s Cebeci Sports Complex, Tugluk, who has never been to China before, was “at a loss for words” over the trip.
He said he is especially intrigued by the advanced technology he expects to encounter in China, such as autonomous vehicles.
“It will be a contest where technology is comprehensively applied. I’m eager for it,” he said. “They’re preparing for a grand event. That is the message they have sent us.”
Archer Samet Ak said that, given China’s reputation for high-tech innovation, he expects to encounter numerous technological marvels at the games.
“I wouldn’t be taken aback if I bumped into a robot that could direct me to a desired destination — be it a cafeteria, a competition field or a training ground,” said Ak.
Adem Asil, a gymnast from Aegean University in Turkiye’s western Izmir province, was also enthusiastic about his maiden voyage to China.
“I’m extraordinarily curious about everything in China. I’m fascinated by the country, the food, the customs, the beverages — the entire experience. They say it’s a stunning country. We’ll see,” Asil told Xinhua.
“I believe everything will be extraordinary, utterly astounding. A vibrant atmosphere awaits all of us.”
Turkiye will have 155 athletes at the games.
Elsewhere in Chengdu, the Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum has been holding an orchid exhibition in the provincial capital. Du (712-770) is one of China’s most revered poets.
Xinhua contributed to this story.
