Most of the young Chinese delegation will make their first appearance at the World University Games in Serbia.
"About 80 percent of the Chinese athletes have no experience of competing at major international events. We'd like to give chances to young college athletes. We don't expect high-standard results at the Serbia Universiade," said Yang Liguo, vice president of the Federation of University Sports of China (FUSC), on Friday.
The Chinese delegation was set up Friday in Beijing. A total of 438 members will compete in all the 15 events featured at the Universiade, including track and field, swimming, water polo, diving, basketball, soccer, volleyball, fencing, tennis, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, judo, table tennis, archery and taekwondo.
China won 33 gold medals and 87 medals in total at the Bangkok Universiade in 2007. Yang said he expected much fewer medals to be won at Serbia.
"Most of the best athletes have to prepare for the National Games in October. They have no time to compete at the Universiade. The Serbian organization cut off badminton and shooting due to financial problems, which also dampen our chance to top the medal standings," Yang said.
The Chinese team will be spearheaded by big names like 2008 Beijing Olympic men's sabre champion Zhong Man, 2004 Athens Olympic diving gold medalist Lao Lishi and world gymnastics champion Chen Fei.
The 25th World University Games will be on stage on July 1-12 in Belgrade with a participation of 118 countries and regions.
Source: Xinhua
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