On Jan. 13, 2025, the FISU Winter World University Games officially opened in Turin, Italy.
This marks the second time Turin has hosted the event since the 23rd edition in 2007. From Jan. 13 to 23, 1,655 athletes from 54 countries and regions will compete in 11 sports. The opening ceremony took place that evening at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
China sent a team of 48 athletes from 13 universities across eight provinces and regions, competing in six sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, curling, and short-track speed skating. The average age of the athletes is 22, with 45 of them representing the country at a comprehensive international sporting event for the first time.
Andrea Abodi, Italy's Minister of Sports and Youth, attended the opening ceremony and officially declared the games open. The ceremony featured vibrant performances of singing, dancing, magic, and acrobatics. Italian football legend Giorgio Chiellini held the torch and activated a drone, which then flew from the Olympic Stadium to the Royal Palace of Turin, lighting the main torch standing in front of the palace.
Notably, this Winter Universiade includes events for athletes with disabilities in disciplines such as alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. In his speech, FISU President Leonz Eder emphasized that the Universiade is a sports competition and an opportunity for student-athletes worldwide to build friendships. Including athletes with disabilities competing alongside able-bodied athletes reflects the spirit of inclusivity in sports.
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