Chengdu 2021, the first international multi-sport event held in China since the pandemic with stadiums full of supporters, welcomed over 6,500 student-athletes from 113 countries. 

A total of 269 medals were awarded over the two weeks.

For me, there were many personal highlights, including witnessing the impressive Opening and Closing Ceremonies, spending time with FISU member delegations, welcoming a number of world leaders to the event, and observing some outstanding sport on display.

Meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping was a special honour. 

It signified the importance of university sport to the host country, a place where tens of millions are currently studying at colleges and universities.

It was clear that Chengdu spared no effort in presenting a modern and innovative event, which featured self-driving electric vehicles and state-of-the-art facilities. 

The success of the event was only possible due to the dedication, passion, patience and resilience of all involved.

I must express my sincere gratitude, both personally and on behalf of FISU, to the Chengdu 2021 Organising Committee, the Federation of University Sports of China, the Government of the People's Republic of China, Sichuan province, and the city and the people of Chengdu for their unwavering support.

The Games were not only a world-class sporting event in terms of performance, but also an opportunity for youth to come together to brighten and inspire our world. Throughout the competition, respect, non-discrimination, gender equality, a healthy lifestyle and sustainability were all promoted and demonstrated. 

Perhaps mostly importantly of all, lifelong friendships were established.  

The FISU World Conference, held alongside the Games, is a key part of the way in which we work hard with our hosts to ensure greater knowledge and understanding joins sport and culture at our events. 

With an overall theme of "embracing a colourful world," the Conference explored social issues of global importance. These included sport for a better city and health in an interactive life.  

In addition to a legacy of learning, the venues used will deliver tangible social benefits, demonstrating Chengdu’s position as a prominent sporting city - one that is capable of planning and hosting major international sporting events, including, hopefully, the Olympic Games in the future. 

FISU is proud of the long-term relationships we have with our host cities, extending long after the Closing Ceremony. In Chengdu a museum is already in place to celebrate our shared successes, while a partnership with the Chengdu Sport University will see its students become a special part of our community.

Looking ahead, we are also grateful that a widespread appreciation of university sport, and attractive proposition for hosts and strong members means there is a strong line-up of hosts for the FISU World University Games, both summer and winter editions.

Torino is set to the host the 2025 Winter Games. The Rhine-Ruhr region will hold the 2025 Summer Games. Then, in 2027, Chungcheong Megacity in South Korea will stage the summer edition while in the summer of 2029, the global university community will head to North Carolina.

Preparations are well underway for all. Strong plans are in place to ensure the Games have a positive, sustainable impact for local communities, just as much as it does for the student athletes they welcome.

The legacy of the World University Games will be felt in Chengdu for decades to come. The memories and friendships made will last a lifetime. 

With the help of our host cities who play such a vital part, we look ahead to continued success for university sport. 

FISU and its members will continue to do all we can to ensure new student athletes across the globe have exceptional international university sport experiences. 

We know this can play a huge part in their growth not just as athletes, but also as people. What could be more important?