"Appointment to Youth": The torch relay of the Chengdu Universiade was launched at Peking University, "Burning the Torch of Youth Dreams | Universiade"
On the morning of June 10th, the square in front of the 100th anniversary lecture hall of Peking University was filled with songs and dances, creating a lively atmosphere. The slogan "Strive for Youth and Fly Dreams" and the red torch stand on stage are particularly eye-catching. The opening ceremony of the torch relay for the 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu was held here.
This is the scene of the torch relay launch ceremony filmed on June 10th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
On June 10th, the members of the escort team put down the fire. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
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Amidst enthusiastic applause, the flame pot and the Chengdu Universiade torch "Rong Fire" were successively lit. Zou Jingyuan, the first torchbearer, a student from Chengdu Sports Institute, and gymnastics champion of the Tokyo Olympics, took the torch and, under the background music of the theme song "We are all dream chasers" for the Chengdu Universiade torch relay, ran out of the venue with a light pace to begin the torch relay.
On June 10th, Zou Jingyuan, the first torchbearer, a student of Chengdu Sports Institute, and gymnastics champion of the Tokyo Olympics, held the torch relay. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
Under the torchbearer's passing, the "Rong Fire" passes through iconic locations on the campus of Peking University, such as Boya Pagoda, Weiming Lake, Li Dazhao Statue, and the Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Monument. The torchbearer ran freely in the summer Yan Garden, attracting many teachers and students to watch. Everyone waved warmly and cheered for the torchbearer.
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The torchbearers who participated in the torch relay on that day came from various fields such as sports, education, technology, healthcare, and aviation. Among them, there are not only Olympic champions and outstanding college athletes, but also honorary winners such as "National model worker", "National Technical Expert", "National exemplary individual in the Fight against COVID-19", and "Special Award of China Youth Science and Technology Award".
In addition, Yang Ling, the first torchbearer of the 2001 Beijing Universiade, Yu Jing, the first torchbearer of the 2009 Harbin Winter Universiade, and Xing Yan'an, the first torchbearer of the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade, all gathered at Peking University to become torchbearers for the Chengdu Universiade.
On June 10th, college student torchbearer Ding Ning participated in the torch relay. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
!["Appointment to Youth": The torch relay of the Chengdu Universiade was launched at Peking University, "Burning the Torch of Youth Dreams | Universiade"](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/bbbb8e061fd53691f4898375106618ae.jpg)
"This is my second time participating in the torch relay of the Universiade, and I am particularly honored and happy, which shows that I am still young." Olympic champion and Chinese women's table tennis Grand Slam winner Deng Yaping smiled and said, "I am very willing to be with young people and enjoy the health and joy brought by sports."
In her view, the Universiade is a grand event for college students who have sports talents and love sports. "I hope they can achieve good results, work hard, be faster, higher, stronger, and more united. I also hope that young people from all over the world can come to China to visit and learn about China's customs and traditions."
"Today is my first time serving as a torchbearer, and I am very excited. The audience has been cheering and giving me the strength to move forward." Zou Jingyuan, who has just finished the torch relay, said that the Universiade is a platform for college students to compete and communicate, and he feels very lucky to participate in it, especially when the Chengdu Universiade is held in his hometown, which makes him even more proud.
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As a participant in the Chengdu Universiade, Zou Jingyuan said that he is currently actively preparing for the competition and has a good mentality. "I hope to achieve good results in the competition, and I also hope that all participating athletes can shine and enjoy the competition!"
This is a live cultural performance filmed on June 10th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
Olympic shooting champion and Tsinghua University student Yang Qian also became a member of the torchbearer. "I feel very honored to participate in the Universiade as a torchbearer, and I hope to convey the positive and upward spirit of college students through the torch relay."
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"The spark of the Universiade is a symbol of brightness, unity, friendship, and peace, representing the skills, courage, and perseverance of young university athletes who are brave enough to challenge high-level competitive sports while balancing their studies." Reno Ed, acting president of the International University Sports Federation, said in a video speech.
He stated that the Universiade is not only a sports stage to showcase the competitive level of young athletes, but also an important platform to enhance global youth exchange and integration. The torch relay not only conveys the spirit of the Universiade to the general public, creates a strong atmosphere for the Universiade, but also brings together the world to move forward together.
On June 10th, college students cheered for the torchbearer. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
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"The torch relay plays the splendid prelude of the Chengdu Universiade, showcasing the confidence of the Chinese nation and the dreams of the global youth." The main officials of the organizing committee of the 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu stated in their speeches that the torch relay will highlight the role of college students and young people, fully showcase a sunny, prosperous, open, and hopeful national image, fully reflect the long-standing and brilliant Chinese civilization and unique Bashu culture, and enable college students and people from all walks of life around the world to better understand, yearn for, and fall in love with China.
On June 10th, the members of the escort team put down the fire. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ren Chao
Ignite your youthful dreams and embark on the promise of youth together. It is reported that after the launch ceremony and relay activities in Beijing, the torch of the Universiade will continue to be transmitted in Harbin, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Yibin, and Chengdu. On July 28th, the flame of the Universiade will ignite the torch tower at the main stadium of Dong'an Lake Sports Park in Chengdu, allowing the world to participate in this youth feast together.
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