Homegrown athletes proud to welcome the world

For Chinese athletes, and especially those who live in Chengdu, the arrival of athletes from across the world to participate in the Chengdu FISU World University Games is very exciting, and they have extended them the warmest of welcomes.

Among them is Wu Yanni, a 100-meter hurdler from Zigong, Sichuan province, a member of the Chinese delegation and also one of the torchbearers for the games. As a participant, Wu said that she hopes her fellow athletes will feel Sichuan's distinctive character and leave with beautiful memories.

"This is a place of passion, and I'm so proud to be part of the Chinese delegation to the World University Games. I'm from Sichuan and I can feel the energy in the city. I hope all the athletes will achieve their best and have a great trip to Chengdu," she told China Daily.

The World University Games this year is particularly special to Wu, who is a postgraduate student at Beijing Sport University, as the opening day on Friday was her 26th birthday.

"I've never been part of the opening ceremony for such a big event before, and it was on my birthday. This was also the first time I've been a torchbearer at a major sports event. These are memories I will keep for life. I almost cried the moment I touched the torch," Wu said.

"And since the day I moved into the athletes' village, I felt the warmth of the staff and volunteers. The organizers are giving participants from all over the world the best services in the village. The World University Games offer a great chance for people around the world to get to know China better. I'm proud to be part of this event."

The Chinese delegation has 89 members from Sichuan, among them 54 student athletes. There are also 1,000 volunteers from the province.

It isn't just young Sichuan athletes competing in the World University Games who have expressed their best wishes to international visitors, some of the province's retired sports legends have, too. Among them are Jiang Wenwen and Jiang Tingting, legendary artistic swimmers.

"In the past, we competed as athletes in Chengdu, but now we have changed roles," said Jiang Wenwen, who along with her twin sister is a torchbearer at the games.

"Chengdu is an international city of youth, inclusiveness and friendship. I hope visitors from all over the world will appreciate its history and culture.

"I hope they will learn more about Chengdu, and introduce our city to the world. I hope all the athletes, coaches and officials who come here will get to know the city better through the games, and fall in love with it."

After retiring, the Jiang sisters became coaches in Sichuan and have witnessed the rise of the younger generation of swimmers. They expressed hope that all the students competing in the games will attain their goals.

"Athletes should focus firmly on their goal, and strive to perfect themselves. That's the spirit an athlete should have, and that's the hardest part. I hope they all have the right approach to the games," Jiang Tingting added.

To participate in the World University Games is the memory of lifetime for any student-athlete. It's certainly the case for Yang Wei, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in artistic gymnastics. The 43-year-old legend participated in the 2001 World University Games in Beijing, and two decades later has once again taken part as a torchbearer. Although he is not from Sichuan, Yang echoed the comments of his fellow delegation members.

"Chengdu is the kind of city that you won't want to leave once you're there. It is such a beautiful and comfortable place. I hope all the athletes here do their best and show great spirit. For all of them, this will be a wonderful memory," said Yang.

The warmth and passion of Chengdu has impressed participants, among them Syed Ibadullah Ayaz, who is studying engineering at the University of South Australia.

"I have been practicing taekwondo for 16 years since I was 4, and this is the first time I'm participating in the World University Games," he said. "This event is great for student-athletes like me, as you can meet people from different countries. They are all trying to reach the same goal as me. I expect to do my best and go as far as possible, and I want to thank the organizers who have been working very hard. I know this is a very big event, but everything is running very smoothly."