On July 16 local time, the 32nd Summer World University Games officially opened in Duisburg, Germany.

This year’s Universiade features 18 sports, including athletics, swimming, table tennis, badminton, and basketball. For the first time, the event has included a 3x3 wheelchair basketball competition for athletes with disabilities. More than 9,200 participants from over 150 countries and regions are taking part. Competitions will be held across 23 venues located in six cities: Berlin, Hagen, Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr.

The Chinese university sports delegation has sent approximately 120 athletes to compete in 14 sports, including 3x3 basketball, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, archery, artistic gymnastics, judo, athletics, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and diving—covering more than 90 events.

At the opening ceremony, Liu Bei, a 3x3 basketball player from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Cui Hechen, a badminton player from Hunan Normal University, served as flag bearers for the delegation. Both expressed pride and excitement in taking on this honorable role, saying it was both a privilege and a motivation. “I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity given by my country. I will do my best to make the nation proud,” said Cui Hechen. He also shared his hope to engage with students from around the world and build lasting friendships.

The Games will conclude on July 27.