The 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games concluded on Tuesday in Chengdu, following 11 intense days of competition. Over 6,500 university athletes from 113 countries and regions showcased their talents across 18 major events, encompassing 269 sub-events. The Games witnessed a remarkable 22 new records set by these young athletes.

A photo taken on Aug. 7 shows the night view of Dong'an Lake Sports Park, the main stadium of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo by Hu Jun/China.org.cn]

"Chengdu really made all dreams come true," Leonz Eder, acting president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), told the press on the last day of the competition.

"What we have witnessed here in Chengdu is state-of-the-art. It's the best we can have. It's really fantastic for the athletes, for the spectators, for everybody," he said, expressing gratitude to all those "who have prepared fantastic venues, great facilities," and the "hospitable people and the best volunteers."

"For some students, they really dreamed of getting a medal here, to compete and win a medal," the acting president said, while for some others, "they came here and wanted to see China for the first time, to communicate, to meet other students, to meet the citizens of Chengdu. This dream also came true."

Athletes resonated with his sentiments.

Chinese athlete Xia Yuyu from Tsinghua University sprinted through the rain to secure the gold medal in the women's 10,000-meter race. She previously competed in two World University Games in 2017 and 2019 but missed the top podium spot on both occasions.

"After four years of waiting, I finally had the opportunity to come to Chengdu. This marks the conclusion of my journey in the World University Games, and I'm thrilled to have ended it on a high note," Xia said.

Xia Yuyu (1st L) competes in the women's 10,000 meters. [Photo/Xinhua]

Brazilian swimmer Fernanda Gomes Celidonio, who won a bronze medal in the mixed 4x100 meters freestyle relay, said, "I feel that being here is already like a dream come true. I think that everything that we're experiencing here is unique. It's probably something that we've never experienced in our lives. Everyone is supporting us to perform at our best."

While the sporting competitions undoubtedly took center stage, the event offered more than just an athletic spectacle. Alongside their pursuit of excellence on the field, young athletes from various corners of the world had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Swiss athletes experience Hanfu outfits at the Village of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, July 31, 2023. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

During the Games, the organizing committee arranged interactive cultural activities showcasing Chinese traditions at the Chengdu Universiade Village, the residence and training hub for athletes. Guided tours of urban cultural landmarks, such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, were also organized, offering participants insights into the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Athletes pose for photos at Chengdu Museum on Aug. 4. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

Jack Hoagland from the U.S., who swims long-distance freestyle, said, "I think my favorite part about the experience so far is getting to do these cultural activities, to get integrated and get a sense of what Chinese culture is all about."

"As an American, we only have a limited perspective. So, to be able to actually experience it first-hand is something that I'll never forget for the rest of my life," he said.

The FISU games are magical because of the combination of education, culture and sport, Eder noted.

"If you see on social media all the wonderful, funny photos that our students posted, you will find that this is a great promotion and helps [people] to better understand the different culture and mentality," he said. 

The acting president highlighted the vital role of fostering communication through the Games. "In some parts of the world, people, some politicians, stopped talking to each other, but the young generation, they don't know these borders, these frontiers. They talk to each other and tell their own stories. They start to communicate. They speak different languages and are not shy to meet other people."

Eder expressed FISU's strong belief that fostering such communication among students is fundamental to creating a better world.

"We firmly believe in this message, which should come out of the FISU games here in Chengdu," he said.