Chengdu 2021 Universiade kicks off with historic gold

The much-awaited Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games kicked off on July 28, 2023, in a magnificent opening ceremony that left spectators in awe. After a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games finally commenced, promising an unforgettable experience for university athletes from around the globe.

A dazzling spectacle of culture

The opening ceremony at the Chengdu Stadium was a seamless blend of historical and cultural elements, showcasing Chengdu’s unique heritage. The “Sun and Immortal Birds,” representing Chinese spirituality and cultural legacy, took center stage, igniting the flame and signifying the warm and inclusive spirit embraced by the Chinese people since ancient times. The ceremony aimed to bestow best wishes upon the university athletes, hoping they would shine as bright as sunlight in their sports and endeavors.

The entrance segment combined technology and artistry, projecting colorful silk threads onto the ground to form stunning traditional Chinese patterns. Over 300 circular lines adorned the stadium’s track, symbolizing the aspirations of young athletes as they embarked on their glorious journey. The ushers held guide signs made of Shu brocade and Shu embroidery, emphasizing the cultural treasures of Chengdu that date back thousands of years.

The grand spectacle also celebrated the 31st edition of the FISU World University Games with 31 torchbearers selected to light the flame tower. Among them, Chengdu’s own astronaut, Ye Guangfu, stood out as a remarkable figure, symbolizing the closeness of astronauts to the sun. The collective efforts of the torchbearers resulted in a dazzling display as the Sun and Immortal Birds soared and ignited the night sky with 12 golden fireworks, ultimately lighting the flame tower outside the stadium.

The breathtaking fireworks performance, aptly named “Golden Dreams” by chief designer Cai Canhuang, depicted the image of a golden hibiscus flower, Chengdu’s city flower, embodying the values of youth, vitality, openness, and friendliness, perfectly aligning with the theme of “flowers welcoming guests.”

Malaysian athletes shine with historic gold

In the realm of sports, Malaysia made an early impact with a historic win. Wushu exponent Tammy Tan Hui Ling created sporting history by clinching Malaysia’s first-ever gold medal in the Universiade, ending a 38-year gold medal drought in the Games. Celebrating her 22nd birthday on Thursday, Tammy Tan delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s Qiangshu event, collecting an impressive 9.613 points for the gold at the Chengbei Gymnasium.

Malaysian athletes continued to shine on the 2nd day of the competition securing four medals in total. In addition to Tammy Tan’s victory, Ang Qi Yue, Calvin Lee Wai Leong, and Mandy Cebelle Chen contributed three bronze medals through wushu events.

Malaysia, participating in the Universiade since 1985 in Kobe, Japan, sent a contingent of 66 competitors competing in various sports events, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Diving, Swimming, Shooting, Taekwondo, and Wushu. The country’s previous best performance in the Universiade was during the 2017 edition in Taiwan, where they won three silver and four bronze medals.

The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games, hosting over 6,500 athletes from 113 countries and regions in 18 sports events, promises ten more thrilling days of competition, camaraderie, and inspiring performances. The event will conclude on August 8, leaving a lasting legacy of sporting excellence and cultural exchange for both the athletes and the city of Chengdu.