Chengdu Universiade | Youth Dreams Shine in Chengdu - Side Notes on the Opening Ceremony of the Chengdu Universiade | China | College Students | Chengdu
Tonight in Chengdu, with clear sky, bright moon, and starry sky. Under the night, the main stadium of Dong'an Lake Sports Park is brightly lit. This venue, with the dancing "Sun God Bird" as its ceiling pattern, is like a painting waiting to be exhibited, waiting for the grand event to begin.
This is a moment of great attention, and the main torch, symbolizing the noble spirit of sports, will be lit here. This is the moment when the song of youth is sung, and college athletes from all over the world will gather here with sports as a link, flying their dreams and building friendship together.
When President Xi Jinping announced the opening of the 31st Summer Universiade, the scene was full of applause and jubilation.
In the summer season, Chengdu, with a history of three thousand years, bursts with enthusiasm for youth, unity, and friendship, touching the world!
A grand event of youth
Inside the stadium, everyone is eagerly anticipating. The lights lit up, and a "Sun God Bird" pattern was outlined in the center of the venue. The light and shadow change, and the tail wing of the "divine bird" rotates, emitting 12 rays of light, illuminating the night sky of Rongcheng. Fireworks rose and the number "12" appeared in the air. The entire audience followed the fireworks numbers and counted down in unison.
This is the countdown fireworks for the opening ceremony filmed on July 28th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Jia Haocheng
The opening ceremony of the 31st Summer Universiade has begun!
The Sun God Bird is a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage, reflecting the Chinese nation's love for light. Regarding the symbolism of the image of the "Sun God Bird", Qiao Wei, the chief literary writer at the opening ceremony, explained that we have outlined a very wonderful and complete image connection, which is from the sunshine to the "Sun God Bird", and then to each of us working hand in hand for a youthful future.
In the stadium, the melodious and clear children's voices rang out, and in the melody of "The National Flag and the National Flag are So Beautiful", the five-star red flag slowly entered the venue. The lead singer, Jihao Youguo, comes from the hinterland of Daliang Mountain in Sichuan, which was once one of the deeply impoverished areas in China.
This child, who walked from the depths of the mountains, is now confidently standing in the center of the stage at the opening ceremony of the Universiade, expressing his longing for the future through his singing.
On July 28th, Jihao Youguo performed at the opening ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Chen Zeguo
This inevitably reminds people of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics more than a year ago. The Malanhua Choir, who also walked from the once barren mountains, stepped onto a broader stage for that sports event.
This is the third time that Chinese Mainland has joined hands with the Universiade, a grand youth event, after Beijing in 2001 and Shenzhen in 2011. China adheres to the concept of simplicity, safety and excellence, overcomes the adverse factors such as the COVID-19 epidemic, and fully promotes the preparations for the Chengdu Universiade. All 49 venues of the Universiade will be put into use in 2021, and the World Table Tennis Championships will be successfully held in 2022.
Accompanied by the live music rhythm played by the college student band, the college student athletes entered the arena, and young athletes from all over the world embarked on the splendid journey paved by Sichuan embroidery, pursuing their bright future. Under the night sky of Chengdu, young people greet each other, embrace each other warmly, and take photos with the adorable "Rongbao" as a souvenir. Laughter and joy fly with the night breeze
This is a grand gathering of youth. 1.39 million young volunteers in Chengdu are full of youthful energy. A college student athlete full of vitality, actively preparing for the competition and preparing to take action. "The brilliant performances of one generation of young people can influence the next generation," said Wu Yanni, a Chinese women's 100m hurdler. "I firmly believe that every generation of young people has their own glory, and each young person is a hero in their own story."
On July 28th, the Chinese college student sports delegation entered the opening ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Xi
Accompanied by the familiar melody of "What a Beautiful Jasmine Flower", Tsinghua University volleyball player Hu Zhenzhuo and Southwest University tennis player Guo Hanyu jointly held the five-star red flag, leading the Chinese delegation into the field. More than 400 Chinese college athletes will participate in all 18 major events. They come from over a hundred universities in 25 provinces, regions, and cities, with an average age of 22.9 years old.
"We didn't have the opportunity to participate in international competitions before, this is our first time participating. Many players are very young, and this game is a new experience for them." Slovakia's men's water polo coach Dusan Horas is full of anticipation for the Chengdu Universiade.
In Chengdu, many young students have participated in the preparation of the Universiade. There are no famous singers or actors participating in the cultural performance. Except for some high difficulty high-altitude segments completed by professional young actors, the actors and volunteers for the opening ceremony are all ordinary college students. The preparation process for the Universiade almost runs through the entire college life of many people, leaving a unique imprint of their youth.
A grand gathering of unity
At dawn, I see the red and wet places, and the flowers are heavy in the city of Jinguan. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Sichuan brocade produced in Chengdu was already the main commodity circulating on the Silk Road. Tonight, the ancient weaving machine weaves Sichuan brocade, weaving a colorful and beautiful path of youth and unity for young people from all over the world who enter.
On July 28th, the Chinese college student sports delegation entered the opening ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Liu Lei
"In Chengdu, I will meet athletes from all over the world and experience the different cultures they represent." Ugandan swimmer Emmanuel Kiwanuka is looking forward to this trip.
The past and present shine brightly, indicating the future. In the unprecedented great changes in the world, the younger generation from all over the world gathers in Chengdu and sends a common message to the world with a united attitude: we come for honor, more for friendship and exchange.
Brazilian basketball player Lucas Siwat, who has been to China for the second time, said that in addition to achieving good results, he also hopes to visit the giant pandas. Judy Liu, a Chinese American Tai Chi girl from the United States, said, "In addition to the competition, you can also see your grandparents and other relatives, feel the development and changes in China, and want to see the rural areas in Hunan where your parents used to live."
The exchange and integration of civilizations among countries are reflected in many details of the athlete's entry ceremony. The guiding signs of each delegation are embroidered with Sichuan embroidery techniques to create Chinese and English names and auspicious patterns, conveying the host's good wishes to visitors from all directions. The entrance background music is composed of classic music from five continents, and is performed live by a college percussion orchestra and a traditional Chinese folk orchestra. The harmonious coexistence of Chinese and Western music sounds resonates with the hearts of athletes from various countries and regions at this moment.
On July 28th, the Indonesian university sports delegation entered the opening ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Liyun
"Compared to other types of competitions, the Universiade provides us with a platform for mutual learning and exchange." Guo Hanyu, who won the tennis women's doubles championship at the previous Naples Universiade, said that many of her foreign friends have come to Chengdu this time, and she can't wait to take her friends to taste Sichuan cuisine and see giant pandas.
"Everyone came here to cheer for each other in a peaceful way, which has pointed the way for the future," said Ed, Acting President of the International Federation of Sports Federations, in his speech.
A grand gathering of friendship
The dazzling fireworks once again soared into the air, and the words "Welcome" and "WELCOME" bloomed in the air.
This is the opening ceremony fireworks shot on July 28th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Jiang Hongjing
Two college athletes ran into the field, and behind them, a shining path emerged following their footsteps.
The singing began, and the Youth College Student Chorus sang the anthem of the International College Student Sports Federation. Eight flag bearers, Su Yiming, Ren Qian, Zou Jingyuan, Shi Tingmao, Mai Jiajie, Ma Yuefei, Sun Yimin, and Pu Shuying, entered the venue holding the flag of the International University Sports Federation. The images on the ground spread forward with the movement of the flag, presenting the emblem of the World University Summer Games since 1959, forming a "glorious path" that showcases the glorious history of the Universiade.
On July 28th, the flag of the International University Sports Federation entered the opening ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Liu Lei
In 1949, the International University Sports Federation was officially established. The first World University Games opened in Turin, Italy in 1959 and are held every two years. Since then, the Universiade has gradually become a far-reaching global youth sports event and a cradle for the growth of sports stars.
This is a stage for young students to inspire their youth and enhance friendship. Cao Maoyuan, a Chinese martial arts athlete from Chengdu Sports Institute, said that being able to exchange and exchange ideas with martial arts enthusiasts from all over the world in his hometown is his most unforgettable experience: "Martial arts is a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, and it is an honor to represent my country in competitions. I am full of confidence in myself!"
"Enjoy this precious time together, learn from each other, make friends, and write beautiful memories together," Ed said.
In anticipation, 31 Chinese and foreign torchbearers, including astronaut Ye Guangfu, Olympic champion Yang Qian, "National Poverty Alleviation exemplary individual" Jiang Qingsong, and conservation biology expert James of Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, gathered in a circle to complete the ignition. After the ignition, the sun bird igniter glowed in all directions, spiraled up, and ignited the 12 golden lights of the sun bird. Fireworks spread, divine birds spread their wings, and finally ignited the main torch tower outside the venue.
On July 28th, the torchbearer entered the opening ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Jiang Hongjing
In the theme song "Achieving Dreams", golden lights shine on the ground, and flags representing participating countries and regions gather in the center of the venue, symbolizing the residents of the global village bathing in the same sunshine and building a harmonious but different spiritual home with an inclusive mind.
Fireworks are blooming, colorful and brilliant.
This is the main torch of the Chengdu Universiade captured on July 28th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Yiming
The flames of the main torch tower burn brightly, illuminating the common aspiration of all humanity to pursue peace and development, and the common dream of building a community with a shared future for mankind!
