Over four years after winning the right to host the 31st World University Games, Chengdu is finally in the home stretch of a drawn-out and bumpy buildup to stage the flagship sports event. 

With 100 days to go until the start of the first major tournament held in China following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the city is applying finishing touches to put on a spectacle. 

"This Universiade holds immense significance," said Wang Jiayi, vice minister of education and vice president of the event's organizing committee, during a press briefing on Wednesday. 

"It is set to provide an equal and impartial platform for young university students and sports professionals hailing from diverse regions across the globe to engage in fair competition, communicate and share their experiences, deepen their understanding of one another, and establish long-lasting bonds of friendship.  

"Undoubtedly, this event will play a pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange, mutual learning and cooperation, advancing the shared vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and contributing towards creating a better world for all."

Wang acknowledged that preparations for staging the 31st Universiade, scheduled from July 28 to August 8, haven't been easy. The event was postponed twice due to COVID-19.

"We have remained dedicated to upholding the solemn promises made to the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and young university students worldwide," he said.  

"The organizing committee has spared no effort in investing substantial resources, including manpower, finances and materials, to adapt to the changing circumstances and overcome challenges in their preparations for the Universiade." 

Organizers also confirmed that the ticket sales will start from June as all 49 newly built and renovated venues have been completed and are fully operational. The Athletes' Village, located at Chengdu University, has also been equipped with comprehensive services and facilities, ready to welcome guests at any time.

"A series of test events will take place in early June to simulate real-world scenarios and ensure that all aspects of the event are thoroughly tested," said Zhou Jinqiang, vice minister of the General Administration of Sport of China. 

"The goal is to maintain the same standards, requirements and objectives that will be present during the actual competition, with a focus on testing the operation of the venues, equipment, and command and dispatch systems.  

"This process will be conducted with utmost rigor to guarantee that everything is functioning seamlessly and up to par." 

Leonz Eder, acting president of the FISU, also noted that expectations were high but he was confident that Chengdu would deliver.

"Personally, I'm more than convinced that Chengdu is ready to host a great Games," he said after finishing his visit to Chengdu for the Heads of Delegation Meeting last month. "The organizing committee did the best they could do to welcome all our athletes from all over the world."