This photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows flag bearer Guo Hanyu and Hu Zhenzhuo of China's delegation marching during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. [Xinhua]
"I know very well about the capability of my motherland," said Zhao, who oversaw Chengdu's bid for the Universiade and preparations for the event. "I have more confidence in no country's organizing committees other than China's."
Zhao's confidence stemmed from the 2001 Summer Universiade. Held a month after the Chinese capital was awarded the hosting right of the 2008 Olympic Games, the Beijing 2001 Universiade was widely considered a full rehearsal for the Olympics.
Building on the lessons learned from the Universiade, Beijing successfully delivered the 2008 Olympic Games, highlighting China's organizing ability for international sports events.
In 2011, Shenzhen, an economic hub just 30 years old at the time, successfully hosted the Summer Universiade, further showcasing China's hosting capabilities.
Chengdu, with a history of over 2,300 years, is the third city in the Chinese mainland to host the biennial Summer Universiade. FISU acting president Leonz Eder has visited China more than 20 times since his first trip in 1985. "China always hosts our events with great passion and great success, and that's why we are more than happy to return to any Chinese city to host our games," Eder commented.
Emiliano Ojea, founding president of the Argentinian University Sport Federation, who participated in Shenzhen 2011, echoed, saying that "China is one of the countries with the highest level of hosting events in the world, possessing high-quality sports venues and infrastructure, as well as enthusiastic and professional event volunteers."
The Chengdu Universiade marks the first time a city in western China hosts a major international sporting event, a testament to the country's development as a whole.
UNIVERSITY SPORTS ENJOY FAST DEVELOPMENT
China topped the medal table at the 2001 Summer Universiade, boosted by the stellar performances of star athletes like Liu Xiang and Yao Ming. However, both Liu and Yao were products of the traditional Chinese sports system rather than university sports.
In 2005, Hu Kai, a Tsinghua University student, won a rare sprint gold for China in the men's 100 meters race at the World University Games, ushering in a new era of university sports in China.
This file photo taken on Aug. 16, 2005 shows Hu Kai of China celebrating after winning the men's 100 meters race at the 23rd Summer Universiade in Izmir, Turkiye. [Xinhua]
Similarly, the Chengdu Universiade has driven significant urban changes in the southwestern Chinese city. To prepare for the event, Chengdu built 13 new venues and renovated 36 existing ones. A wave of enthusiasm for sports has engulfed the city, as citizens often engage in different sports in parks, community centers, and under overpasses every morning and evening.
"The Chengdu Universiade has presented a top sports feast to our community residents, exerting a positive impact on their lives as they care more for sports and health. A five-year-old child in the community watched a swimming competition and then pestered his mother to sign him up for a swimming course," said Zhang Biao, a community official in Chengdu's Tianfu New Area.
In 2017, Chengdu put forward a strategy to build itself into a hub for international sports events. The experiences this booming city has gained in hosting the Universiade, as well as last year's World Team Table Tennis Championships, will help it close in on the goal.
In 2025, Chengdu will host the World Games. In Eder's view, the city is capable of organizing high-level international events, including the Olympics, with its quality venues and experience.
"It is a mid- and long-term strategy to build relations with international sports federations, which can further enhance the influence of Chengdu worldwide and boost tourism," he said.