Cao Maoyuan of China in action during the Wushu Men's Nanquan at the World University Games in Chengdu, July 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Half way through the Chengdu Universiade, young athletes around the world are enjoying much more than the competitions.
CHENGDU, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Many young athletes across the globe have seen their aspirations come true as the Chengdu Universiade reaches its midway point, and their dreams are not only about competing, but also center on friendship, mutual understanding and love.
CHINA LEADS MEDAL TALLY
As the Games reaches its midpoint, Asian countries dominate the medal tally. As of August 2, China tops the list with 36 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals, followed by South Korea and Japan, with some African countries also achieving breakthroughs in specific events.
"The Chengdu Universiade provides me with a stage on which to showcase Chinese Wushu, allowing more people to see and understand it," said Cao Maoyuan, who secured the first gold medal of the Games.
The Chengdu Universiade features 18 major sports and 269 events, with 6,500 athletes taking part.
China's Wang Gukailai, Qin Haiyang, Zhang Yufei and Li Bingjie (L to R) pose on the podium after winning swimming's mixed 4x100 medley relay at the Chengdu Universiade, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)
Chinese swimmers displayed their dominance. World champions Qin Haiyang and Zhang Yufei not only secured gold medals but also broke FISU records in their events.
Before coming to Chengdu, sprinter Carlos Oliveira Morais of Cape Verde trained in a China-built stadium.
"The training conditions in the past were poor. However, things changed after I got into the University of Cape Verde, where China helped build the new stadium," Oliveira explained.
WELL-ORGANIZED COMPETITION
Though the competitions are intense, unexpected incidents are mitigated by well-practiced routines, reducing the impact for athletes. When a sudden downpour interrupted the tennis competition on Wednesday, organizers promptly delayed matches and moved them indoors.
Sebestyen Kovacs of Hungary serves during his table tennis men's team round of 16 match against Hong Kong, China at the Chengdu Universiade, July 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)
"It is very professional and high-level, the venues and facilities here are unparalleled," said Hungarian table tennis player Sebestyen Kovacs.
According to Chengdu's science and technology department, more than 170 high-tech products have been deployed at over 30 venues.
A "training robot" is capturing considerable attention in Chengdu's High-tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium. Standing at just one meter tall, the robot showcases its skills with a mechanical arm tossing a ping-pong ball upward and another arm expertly swinging the racket to hit the ball across the table.
Li Pengfei, a local table tennis trainer, highlighted the robot's significance. "The robot can help players enhance observation and anticipation skills for the opponent's serves. It enables them to practice specific types of serves repeatedly, leading to more targeted and effective training."
Elavenil Valarivan and Divyansh Singh Panwar of India, Zhang Yu and Song Buhan of China and Gavin Barnick and Mary Tucker (L to R) of the United States pose after the shooting 10m air rifle mixed team final at the Chengdu Universiade, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
Indian shooter Valarivan Elavenil was visibly touched by unexpected gesture, when the entire audience joined together to sing "Happy Birthday" to her on Wednesday.
"Almost every volunteer and staff member sang to me. It felt incredibly heartwarming, and I want to thank everyone," said the 24-year-old.
BRIDGE FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Sports serves as an important bridge for cultural exchange. For the young athletes, time in Chengdu is destined to be an unforgettable journey.
FISU Acting President Leonz Eder emphasized that the Universiade is not just about sports, it should also be a celebration of culture and education.
With abundant cultural activities provided in the Chengdu Universiade Village, student-athletes and delegation officials have the opportunity to taste traditional Chinese culture every day.
Lucas Krishna plays Chinese chess with a local in Chengdu. (Xinhua/Zheng Zhi)
At the entrance of the cultural bazaar, Brazilian taekwondo athlete Lucas Krishna was playing Chinese chess with a local, who was surprised at his skill.
Krishna revealed that his father, who had taken a three-month training in Chinese chess years ago in Hangzhou, taught him the traditional Chinese game at the age of 10, two years before he had started taekwondo training.
"My dad loves China. The people here are nice," Krishna added.
The adorable pandas, spicy Sichuan hot pot, and magical face-changing performances showcase the captivating Chinese culture, creating delightful surprises for athletes and staff.
"I am inspired by everyone here, their friendliness and hospitality," said Alfonso Duran Lanza, a swimmer from Honduras, "The mascots are so cute. I can't wait to see real pandas and explore Chengdu." ■
