The Flame Relay for the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games kicked off at Peking University in Beijing on 10 June following the official launch ceremony.
At the ceremony, the Organising Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games emphasised that the flame relay, a significant official event of the FISU World University Games, serves as an important medium for promoting the ideals and spirit of the Games, and it represents the spectacular prelude to the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games and the dreams of youth worldwide.
Leonz EDER, the Acting President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), said in a video message, “The flame of the FISU World University Games is a symbol of brightness, unity, friendship, and peace. It represents the skills, courage, and perseverance of the young student-athletes who dare to take on the challenge of high-level sports while completing an academic career.”
“The Flame Relay will convey the spirit and the atmosphere of the FISU Games through its meaningful symbol of world unity and progress,” Eder continued.
DING Ning, a student representative from Peking University and a table tennis Olympic champion, stated in her speech that as a young Chinese student, she will carry forward the spirit of the FISU World University Games beyond the sports arena and integrate it into her studies and work.
After the lighting of the flame cauldron and the torch “Rong Huo”, the first torchbearer ZOU Jingyuan, a student from Chengdu Sport University and an Olympic champion gymnast, took over the torch. As the uplifting melody of the theme song set the tone, he hoisted the torch, high and proud. With an assured pace, he made his exit from the venue, inaugurating the Flame Relay for the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games.
The torch “Rong Huo” were passed through iconic locations within Peking University, carried by a varied group of 31 torchbearers from all walks of life, including exemplary community members, athletes, leading innovators, standout university students, and previous FISU World University Games participants.
The first leg of the relay also included YANG Ling, the first torchbearer for the Beijing 2001 Universiade, YU Jing, the first torchbearer for the Harbin 2009 Universiade, and XING Yan’an, the first torchbearer for the Shenzhen 2011 Universiade.
These four torchbearers from previous FISU World University Games gathered at Peking University to relay the flame. Their collective participation not only embodied the enduring spirit of the Games, but also highlighted the vigorous development of university and youth sports in China.
After the relay event in Beijing, the Flame Relay for the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games will continue its journey through five cities: Harbin, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Yibin, and Chengdu. On 28 July, the flame of the FISU World University Games will ignite at the torch tower at Chengdu’s Dong’an Lake Sports Park Stadium for the opening ceremony of the Games, uniting the global community for this vibrant celebration of world university sports.
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