The FISU World University Games are being held in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and declared the Games open.
The opening ceremony lasted about 100 minutes, including a fantastic 15-minute performance that blended modernity with traditions. Sichuan opera face-changing performances took the center stage.
The Chinese president has said that China always upholds the principles of simple, safe and wonderful ways of holding sports events and the FISU Games are a gathering of youth and friendship.
Foreign leaders including Indonesian President Joko Widodo also attended the opening ceremony.
As many as 6,500 athletes from 113 countries and regions are participating in the Chengdu Summer Games.
As Leonz Eder, the acting president of FISU, said at the opening ceremony, athletes have shown great patience to endure the last few years and are finally ready to enjoy the Games.
"I thank you all for your readiness to overcome all kinds of difficulties. Together, we have created a Games worth waiting for," said Eder.
China's Education Minister Huai Jinpeng, who is also in charge of the Chengdu Summer Universiade Organizing Committee, welcomed the athletes to China. The crowd applauded when Huai mentioned the old Chinese saying, "It is such a delight to have friends coming from afar."
"With open arms, the residents of Chengdu are welcoming guests and friends from all over the world, and they are the epitome of a hospitable, friendly and charming China. The FISU Games in Chengdu have created a spectacular stage to carry forward sportsmanship and enhance mutual trust among civilizations," said Huai.
The Universiade cauldron was lit by 31 people — representing the 31st World University Games. Among the torch bearers taking part in the opening ceremony, there were young athletes, Olympic champions, astronauts, international students in China and representatives from other walks of life — showing the world an inclusive and open modern China.
In fact, I was able to speak with one of the torch bearers earlier — Yang Qian, an Olympic gold medalist.
"Those who can participate in the Universiade are already excellent athletes. I think each of them has the idea, mindset and ability to achieve good grades. So I think I still look forward to seeing their strength in the field. I believe that as long as they perform well, regardless of their rankings, winning gold or not, it will all be recognition of oneself in the Games," said Yang.
Xi has a huge passion for sport and has been encouraging the nation to exercise more. Turning China into a sporting powerhouse has been one of his priorities in improving the country's image and public health.
Xi said developing the sports sector is an important goal in building a modernized socialist country. And that has encouraged Chinese youngsters to participate in sporting events and compete internationally.
If we recall the success of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, there are more and more Chinese people taking an interest in sport. Not to mention that sport has long served as a platform for cultural exchanges — for the world to see China and for China to welcome the world.
Xi once said that when young people are strong, China will be strong. Good grades are one thing, but health is also important. And participating in sports is one way for people to care for their health.