Nanning, 6 November 2023 (WAI): China’s first Student (Youth) Games began on Sunday evening at the Guangxi Sports Center, integrating 18,000 young athletes’ physical abilities and future goals.
The Games are being hosted from 5-15 November by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the General Administration of Sports, and the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and will feature 39 sports, 51 disciplines, and 805 events in open and campus categories.
The Games were proclaimed open by Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, signifying the debut that south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous territory has held a national comprehensive sports event.
The inaugural ceremony culminated when torchbearers Huang Yaqing and Lan Xingyu lit the cauldron, representing environmental conservation and young vitality.
The 70-minute ceremony was designed to promote the idea of combining athletics and education, with 101 delegates from throughout China displaying their flags before the event began.
The event results from an amalgamation of the National Youth Games and the National Student Games as part of China’s effort to improve the country’s youth sports system, as stated in a 2020 guideline on deepening sports and education integration to promote the healthy development of China’s youth.
Previously, in China, campus and professional youth sports events were held separately, and many students had to forego their education to become professional athletes. The ambition of organizing the Games is primarily seen as a significant step forward.
Liu Ning, secretary of the Communist Party of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee, welcomed and thanked all attendees.
“Regarding the eve of the first Student (Youth) Games, the 57 million residents of Guangxi are pleased to extend an enthusiastic welcome to the authorities and noble guests, along with all the players, trainers, and referees,” Liu said in a statement.
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Huai Jinpeng, Minister of Education, noted that the Games provide a platform for young people to pursue their aspirations.
Huai mentioned, “The young people and students are perhaps the most active individuals in a country, and their stamina and strength are a significant indication of the nation’s vitality and an illustration of civilization’s development in society. ”
“After meticulous planning, the first Student (Youth) Games opens today, bringing together the youth and their dreams,” he added.
An International Relations graduate, with a keen interest in diverse areas of IR; diplomacy, global politics & human rights.
