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Find out everything you need to know about the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games as students across the globe gather in China to battle for glory.
The World University Games is formally known as Universiade. Its roots are back to the start of the 20th century as host cities welcomed student-athletes who celebrate the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship in a competitive environment.
Today, the Universiade has been renamed the World University Games and continues to build on this long tradition as the premiere university multi-sport competition in the world.
The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games is set to officially start on July 28 and end on August 8 2023.
The Games is the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games, and is set to go down in Chengdu.
Chengdu is the capital of the Chinese province of Sichuan and is ready to host the global showpiece.
With several top student-athletes set to go head-to-head, here are five facts you should know about the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games according to the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
1. Chengdu Makes Dream Come True
The theme for the Games is 'Chengdu Makes Dream Come True.' This is yet another reference to the motivational story of the figurative golden sun bird. Each athlete who makes it to the podium will be given a medal that features a golden sun bird on one side and a soaring view of Chengdu on the other.
Andjela Cegar from Croatia, one of the 12 International Young reporters selected to cover the games, said, “This is an incredible opportunity. I am beyond grateful to have been selected as a Young Reporter for the FISU Games in Chengdu. There are no words to describe the honour and privilege I feel. This is a dream come true for me.”
2. Opening Ceremony is a Celebration of Youth and Dreams
The opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games is slated for July 28. It will serve as a platform for showcasing the host nation's cultural uniqueness and for the participating athletes and coaches.
The ceremony will herald the commencement of the Multi-Sports event.
The Chief Director of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Opening Ceremony, CHEN Weiya, announced that the ceremony's central focus would be young hopes. This topic represents the aspirations, endeavours, and friendships that are prevalent among young people.
He said, "We aim to incorporate the essential elements of the FISU World University Games into the ceremonial grandeur and artistic presentations," the director said, "We want the audience to connect with the energy of youth in each performance, embodying the spirit of young individuals striving for their dreams."
3. 119 Countries to participate
The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games will feature athletes from 119 countries with 6,517 Athletes and 2,671 officials.
The countries will participate in 15 compulsory sports and three non-compulsory in 269 competitions.
4. 12 international Young Reporters selected
FISU Young Reporters Programme (YRP), in partnership with AIPS, selected 12 young journalists across the globe to help FISU cover the competitions on all FISU platforms.
The Young reporters’ contributions will include daily recaps, features articles, social media content and television interviews. In return, they will acquire a broader experience and enhance their skills, boosting their journalism or digital media career.
Pulse Sports Nigeria's reporter Hassan Abdulsalam is among the selected journalists. Others include; Annika Saunus (Germany), Julieta Boschiazzo (Argentina), Louis Gilles (France), Miha Trošt (Slovenia), Andjela Cegar (Croatia).
Noor Saleha Salem (Philippines), Pedro Consoli (Brazil), Miriam Celebiler (USA), Netra Venkitasubramanian (India), Ana Brenčić (Croatia) and Piotrek Przyborowski (Poland).
5. 47 Venues
47 venues have been highlighted for Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games. The opening ceremony will take place at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Stadium, while the closing ceremony will be held at the Chengdu Open Air Music Park.
Other notable venues for the event are; Fenghuangshan Sports Park Gym and High-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gym.
The breakdown of the venues are; one for the opening Ceremony, one closing ceremony and 45 for sports venues, of which 11 are newly built for the FISU Games.
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