The Chinese city played host to more than 6,500 athletes from 113 countries over 12 days of competition which saw numerous FISU records smashed and the hosts finish at the top of the medal table.

It was the end of a long road for Chengdu that was originally scheduled to stage the Games in 2021 only for the multi-sport event to be postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China ensured it was worth the wait as they thrilled the home fans with a whopping 178 medals including 103 golds, 40 silvers and 35 bronzes.

Swimmer Zhang Yufei was the star member of the 411-strong Chinese team having claimed nine golds in the pool.

Japan finished a distant second with 93 medals including 21 golds, 29 silvers and 43 bronzes, while South Korea, Italy and Poland ranked in the top five following a successful Games.

The last gold medal of Chengdu 2021 was won by Italy courtesy of their 13-11 triumph against Hungary in the men’s water polo final.

The match was followed by the Closing Ceremony staged at the Chengdu Open Air Music Park and performed under the theme "Dreams: Lighting Up the Future".

A series of songs and dances delighted the spectators before a brilliant fireworks display lit up the night sky.

Shen Yiqin, State Councillor of China, attended the Closing Ceremony along with FISU Acting President Leonz Eder who delivered a speech where he congratulated organisers on delivering a successful event.

"On the very beginning of our journey in China, we have been embraced with warmth and hospitality that words cannot fully express," said Eder in a report by China’s official state news agency Xinhua.

"We are truly grateful for the support of the Chengdu 2021 Organising Committee, the Federation of University Sports of China, the Government of People's Republic of China, Sichuan Province, and the city and the people of Chengdu.

"Your successes and even your struggles are reminding us that it's not just about winning medals, but about a journey and friendships made along the way which might last for a long time."

Chengdu is the third Chinese mainland city to host the biennial FISU Summer World University Games, following Beijing in 2001 and Shenzhen in 2011.

The Closing Ceremony finished with the handing over of the FISU flag to Rhine-Ruhr who are due to stage the Games in 2025.

Mahmut Özdemir, member of the German Bundestag and representative of Rhine-Ruhr 2025, received the flag from Eder and FISU chief executive and secretary general Eric Saintrond.

The next FISU Summer World University Games are scheduled to run from July 16 to 27 in 2025 and are due to be held across the cities of Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen and Mühlheim.