The main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games at the Dongan Lake Sports Park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. /CFP
A total of 31 torchbearers of different ages and from all walks of life, as well as from different countries, worked together to light the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games at the Dongan Lake Sports Park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Friday.
The number 31 represents the 31st edition of the Universiade. These torchbearers come from different backgrounds, but what they did and witnessed on Friday night gave them a lifetime's memory to cherish.
Wang Yuan from Thailand is a postgraduate student at Chengdu University. She majors in product design and has been passionate about adding Chinese elements to her work at school.
Torchbearers light the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games at the Dongan Lake Sports Park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. /CFP
"I used to want to be a volunteer for the Chengdu Universiade but never thought I would become a torchbearer," Wang told China Media Group (CMG). "I forgot to bring my hand back during the first rehearsal of lighting the flame. Everybody was like, 'Is that real or just a video?' I couldn't believe what I saw. It's so big."
It took the torchbearers multiple rehearsals to refine their work. Everyone went through a lot, but it was all worth their efforts when they saw the grand moment of the main cauldron being lit.
"I saw everybody focus on rehearsing every day. It took a lot of time to do it because we wanted to do the best. I like it and respect my teammates. It's hard work, but I enjoyed it," Wang added.
Fireworks at the opening ceremony of the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games at the Dongan Lake Sports Park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. /CFP
Ivan Pavlovic of Sichuan University is from Germany. After lighting the main cauldron for the Chengdu Universiade, he couldn't wait to share the joy of doing it with his friends at home.
"I will tell them what has happened is amazing. What I learned here and what I have got here is something I never experienced," Pavlovic told Xinhua News Agency. "I was really a little bit nervous. I have to keep reminding myself to do everything right. When I turned around and saw the fireworks, it was amazing."