The Torch Relay of Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Game Summer in Chongqing was held on the morning of June 24, 2023 at Chongqing University.
The torch relay symbolizes sportsmanship. The Torch Relay of Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Game Summer has been held successively at renowned universities in Beijing, Harbin, and Shenzhen from north China to south China since June 10. This fire of youth passed through Shenzhen and lately came to Chongqing, as FISU World University Game empowers the construction of Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone.
The starting ceremony of the Torch Relay in Chongqing was held at 9:00 a.m. in the Main Teaching Building, Campus A, Chongqing University. With the dulcet Sichuan dialect singing and stunning Chuanjiang Haozi, CQU students put on the opening performance "Bafeng Shuyun". These young performers extended a sincere invitation to all young people in the world on behalf of Chongqing through their enthusiastic and lively performance.
Officials and honored guests from International University Sports Federation, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shapingba District, and Chongqing University showed up at the event.
Gu Xuebin, a standing member of CPC Chengdu Committee, Head of the Propaganda Department, and Executive Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of FISU World University Game, delivered a speech. He said that Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Game was 34 days ahead and that the Torch Relay held at Chongqing University as its fourth station with "Stories of Two Cities" as the theme will invigorate the construction of Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone. Gu expressed his belief that through the Torch Relay and the spreading of dreams and friendship, the philosophy of FISU World University Game and sportsmanship will be extensively promoted in Bashu region. University students and people from all walks of life across the world will gain a better understanding of China and start to like Bashu and Chengdu-Chongqing.
According to Wang Shuxin, President of Chongqing University, the Torch Relay held at CQU, Chongqing is a symbol of the significant progress made by Chongqing and Chengdu in construction of Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone, deepening of the share of education resource and co-development of the cultural and sports undertakings. Wang expressed his hope that guests and young people from all over the world will be able to experience the high-quality life in Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as the high-quality development of their international style, Chinese elements and the charm of Bashu. "I hope that the Torch Relay gives an opportunity for young university students to visit Chongqing, understand China, and embrace the world. I hope that they come and celebrate this 'gathering of youth' and embark on their 'dream journey'."
Li Kunluo, a torchbearer representative, said in her speech: "We were born at the right time and we have our bounden duty. We will hold the belief that 'we are an integral part of the Strategy of Strengthening and Rejuvenation', grasp the baton of the times and win with flying colors. Let’s light up the youth with the torch of struggle, and live up to the expectation of the times and the country for the youth with our lofty ambition. Let's jump into the tide of the times, do our part in the overall development, and step on the rejuvenation journey."
Liu Yanbing, Secretary of the Education Work Committee of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Director of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, presented the torchbearer representative with a torch relay memorial badge.
Shen Zhen, Vice-Chairman of International University Sports Federation and Vice Chairman of the Federation of University Sports of China, lighted the cauldron of Chengdu FISU World University Game.
Zhang Anjiang, Vice Mayor of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, a member of the Party Group, and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Chongqing High-tech Zone, West China Science City, lighted the "Chengdu fire", the torch of Chengdu FISU World University Game, and handed it over to Li Xuerui, the first torchbearer of Torch Relay in Chongqing, and an Olympic badminton champion.
With the theme song of the Torch Relay of Chengdu FISU World University Game, "We're All Dreamers", Li Xuerui held the torch high and started the Torch Relay in Chongqing.
The youngest torchbearer in Chongqing is Li Kunluo, a 21-year-old student from Chongqing University. The oldest one is Zhou Xuhong, a 66-year-old academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who is also from Chongqing University.
After 31 torchbearers, "Chengdu fire", the torch of Chengdu FISU World University Game, passed through the Minzhu Lake, Yifu Building Library, Idea Wall, Wenzizhai Building, No. 1 Main Building and other landmark buildings.
Along the route of the Torch Relay, student representatives from various schools cheered for the torchbearers. At the Music Cheering Station, CQU teachers and students put on an enthusiastic and energetic rope exercise performance, making the campus a sea of joy.
At the fire-breaking ceremony, Shu Lichun, Secretary of the CPC CQU Committee, and Gu Xuebin, a standing member of the CPC Chengdu Committee, Head of the Propaganda Department, and Executive Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of FISU World University Game, exchanged souvenirs. Chengdu gave "Chengdu fire" to Chongqing University as a gift. In return, Chongqing University gave Chengdu a piece of traditional Chinese paper-cut works named "Running into the Future", which embodies the beauty of Chinese elements and cultural confidence.
Students from Chengdu Yingbinlu Primary School put on a performance named "On Teenagers", in which performers showed the charm of traditional Chinese culture with traditional Chinese martial arts Zhao's martial arts and the five-element sword method. The Torch Relay in Chongqing was brought to a successful end amidst the youthful and energetic performances "Glory and Dreams" and "The Dreamed Championship", which were put on by CQU students. Over the coming days, the Torch Relay of Chengdu 2021 World University Game will be held in Sichuan.
Four of the 31 torchbearers in Chongqing came from Chongqing University, including Zhou Xuhong, an academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Associate Professor Li Xuerui from the School of Physical Education, Li Li, a doctoral candidate of Chongqing University, and Li Kunluo, an undergraduate of Chongqing University. Another four Chongqing University students acted as the escort runners, including Zhang Lu from the School of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, and Xie Ziteng from the School of Environment and Ecology. It is worth mentioning that Chen Wei, an international student of Chongqing University participating in the starting ceremony performance was also a torchbearer in Beijing, the first station of the Torch Relay this year.
The first torchbearer: Li Xuerui
Former head of the National Badminton Team of China, BWF Best Female Athlete, gold medal winner in the women's singles badminton in 2012 London Olympic Games.
"I feel glad and honored to be the first torchbearer in Chongqing. The Torch Relay in Chongqing is held at Chongqing University. As a Chongqing University student, I'm quite proud.
I hope that all competitors demonstrate the youthful vitality of young people, show their talent on the stage of the FISU World University Game, and do their best. I will also participate in the badminton event as a teacher and a coach. From a competitor to a teacher, despite the change of identity, my determination to win honors for China has never changed. Fighting!"
The 10th torchbearer: Li Li
A doctoral candidate of Chongqing University, a founder of Chot.cn Technology Co., Ltd., University Student of the Year of China, winner of the May 4th Medal of Chongqing and an outstanding young entrepreneur of Chongqing.
"I'm honored to be a torchbearer of FISU World University Game. I know clearly my duty to pass on the torch. I hope I can also be a 'torchbearer' that helps with the innovation and entrepreneurship of young university students. I want to transform the tenacious spirit conveyed by the torch into the endogenous power for innovation and entrepreneurship of young university students, pool the wisdom of young people, give full play to their innovation capacity, and encourage them to do their part in the construction of a modern socialist country in an all-round way!"
The 21st torchbearer: Li Kunluo
A student of 2019 of School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, winner of the National Scholarship, winner of the Golden Award in the "Internet +" Competition, winner of the Special Award in the "Challenge Cup" Competition, and winner of the Golden Award in “Create the Youth” Competition.
"I take immense pride in acting as a torchbearer as a student representative before my graduation. With dreams and honors in mind, I will show the youth, strength and accountability of Chongqing University students. Let our dreams of youth fly, flower of youth bloom and the light of youth shine on the new journey. We will work hard and become the pioneers in the construction of China as a great modern socialist country!"
The 26th torchbearer: Zhou Xuhong
An academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, former President of Chongqing University, a well-known expert of China in structural engineering, a winner of the National First and Second Prizes for Progress in Science and Technology, as well as the National Second Prize for Teaching Achievements.
“It is an honor to be a torchbearer. The Torch Relay held at a university has its unique meaning. What's passed on is not only the sportsmanship, but also the enterprising spirit of young students who are always working hard, making improvements, pursuing excellence, and scaling new heights. It shows the youthful vitality and positive attitude toward life of the university students in the new era. I hope that young university students are able to shine with passion and fly their dreams like the torch! I hope that they play the forte of the times with their youth and passion.
Photo: Organizing Committee of Chengdu FISU World University Game The Xinhua News Agency Wu Youhua Duan Xiaoyun Li Yike Zhang Yuling Zhang Liang
