The briefing in the Chinese city was designed to update the media on preparations for the flagship International University Sports Federation (FISU) event.

Xuebin Gu, the executive vice-president of the Chengdu 2021 Executive Committee, told the briefing that "first-class" services would be provided to journalists from around the world.

Chengdu 2021 is due to take place between July 28 and August 8 after being delayed by two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Eighteen sports are on the programme for the FISU Games, which will be the third in China after the Summer Universiades in Beijing and Shenzhen in 2001 and 2011 respectively.

The name Chengdu 2021 is being retained. 

Gianni Merlo, the President of the International Sports Press Association, was among those to attend.

"The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games is different from previous, due to the pandemic," he said.

"The preparation work for it has faced unprecedented challenges, which have been postponed and postponed.

"But I think that you did it the best way.

"The FISU World University Games are a door open to the young people from all over the world. 

"It always plays an important role in developing college students' sports in various countries and regions, and also promoting cultural exchanges among the world's youth."

The briefing heard about the launch of the Young Reporters Programme, which runs at all FISU Games and provides opportunities to aspiring journalists.

"The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games are the perfect event for our young colleagues to make a great experience of work on the field and in the same time to learn about the culture of this land that is amazing," Merlo added.

Those at the briefing were played the promotional video "Listen to Hustle and Bustle of Chengdu".

They also had the chance to visit Chengdu's famous giant panda centre.