The Summer FISU World University Games get underway in Chengdu

A bright and vibrant opening ceremony began and ended with fireworks displays at the Dong’An Lakes Sports Park Stadium. Between those, the crowd were treated to a spectacular string of performances.

Thirty-one torchbearers contributed to stunning flame lighting. A firework in the middle of the stadium was collectively lit before being lifted to set off a chain reaction of fireworks around the roof which saw the flame itself set ablaze. The word ‘welcome’ soared above the roof to signal the start of The FISU Games.

There are 18 sports on offer, with 269 gold medals to be won by 6,500 athletes from 113 countries and regions. The medals feature the Golden Sun Bird, the emblem of Chengdu, with a design that shows the 5000 years of China’s history from the ancient past to modern times.

Medals have already been handed out, with no time wasted getting the games underway. China’s Cao Maoyuan won the first gold medal in the Men’s Nanquan of Wushu tournament. The home nation quickly doubled up when Song Cuifang took first place in the Women’s Nandao of Wushu.

Japan, China and the Republic of Korea have already picked up four gold medals each, with India taking three, all Indian medals coming in the shooting. Hong Kong and Indonesia are the other countries to pick up a gold medal in the early going.

European medals have been a little thin on the ground, but many opportunities will come later in the games. Hungary have picked up a pair of silver medals in shooting, with Moldova and the Netherlands also picking up silver.

Azerbaijan have a pair of bronze medals, with Germany, France and Turkey also getting themselves on the medals table with a bronze medal each. It is still very early, but there is a little pressure off them with medals on the board.

Team GB have no representation at the games. An announcement in March following consultation by the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) Board and the International Advisory Group (IAG) felt that it was in the best interest of the students to concentrate instead on the 2025 games in Turin (Winter) and Rhine-Ruhr (summer).