The World University Games are likely to undergo a change in the competition format as Iran has proposed that not only individual students but also universities should be allowed to take part in future's Universiade.
The Iranian delegation to the 2009 Universiade made the proposal to the general assembly of the International University Sport Federation (FISU), which concluded on Monday at the capital of Serbia.
"Our proposal is that in future, the right to participate in Universiade is granted to all those who make up a university community, because this competition should not be only competition of students, but universities, as well," said Hamid Reza Taheri, head of the Iranian delegation to the 2009 Universiade.
"We also believe that qualifications for the Universiade should be organized every two years and Universiades every four years. Qualifications should be organized as competition of athletes from countries from all five continents. The best will earn the right to compete at the Universiade.
In this manner the spirit of competition will be preserved and only the most deserving athletes will be given the chance to compete for medals," added Taheri.
At the 2009 Universiade, which officially opens on Wednesday, Iran will be represented by 45 athletes who will compete in seven sports. Their expectations are high, especially in martial sports, where their athletes have been very prominent for years.
"We won't hide that we have high expectations of our taekwondo team. We believe that our athletics and judo teams are capable of achieving some exceptional results," said Taheri.
"I admit that it is a bit odd that we are so successful in martial sports that are part of Far East tradition, and especially since Iranians are sensitive, peace loving nation."
Although they had doubts that Serbia would be able to organize the Universiade on time, Iranian delegation is impressed with the state of things in Belgrade.
"I was rather skeptical when I was in Belgrade in March with other heads of delegations. I doubted that organizers would be able to finish everything on time. Luckily, I was wrong," admitted Taheri.
"This is a wonderful sports event since it provides an opportunity for creating an almost family like environment in which different cultures can mix together. Our athletes are happy to make new friends and hope that these friendships will surpass all cultural and religious differences," he added.
Source: Xinhua
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