National University Games Open at Chengdu

China's Sixth University Games Kick Off

The sixth National University Games lifted its curtain in Chengdu on Sunday, drawing nearly 3,000 athletes from over 200 institutes of higher learning across the country.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing declared open the universiad, which reaches a new high in terms of the number of participants and sports.

Athletes from 33 delegations will vie for as many as 400 medals in eight competitive events such as athletics, swimming and basketball. Shooting is included as the only exhibitive sport.

Hong Kong and Macao make their debut at the universade since their return to the motherland. Chinese Taipei also sends an observing team to the meet.

The holy flame, which symbolizes "revolution, reform, science, future and life" will burn at the Chengdu Sports Center for nine days.