A total of eight athletes will participate in the rhythmic gymnastics events on behalf of China in the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, from July 29 and 31. They share one goal in mind: to show Chinese qualities to the rest of the world.

The rhythmic gymnastics events include the group general competition, the group apparatus finals, the individual all-around competition and the individual apparatus finals with eight gold medals to be awarded.

The six Chinese athletes that will participate in the group events are from the Chengdu Sport University. The have been practicing two programs that blend kung fu and Chinese folk dance.

"We want to show Chinese characteristic, our culture, our best image, a positive and enthusiastic attitude to the world," athlete Zhao Hongyu told China Media group (CMG).

According to the group events coach Ren Shuang, the team has been preparing for nearly two years for the Chengdu Universiade.

"We want to display some of the Chinese national features in our performances, like music," Ren said. "We used some unique Chinese musical instruments, like erhu and dizi. Sure we want to win the golds at home. We want watch the Chinese national flags fly at the podium. We feel the pressure, but we have confidence."

Li Huilin of the Beijing Sport University will compete in the individual events at the Chengdu Universiade. She told CMG that her goal is to surpass herself in the performance. "This is a great opportunity for me to learn," Li said. "I can communicate with foreign friends, see how they train and work hard to improve together."

Rhythmic gymnastics are known as "ballet on the blanket." It's a perfect combination of skills and art. Athletes practice about 10 hours per day these days, focusing on refining the details of their moves as well as building a calm mindset that will enable them do their best under pressure.

(Cover photo: Chinese athletes practice rhythmic gymnastics in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /China Media Group)