BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday set up a 290-strong delegation for the 27th World University Games to be held in Russia, hoping to make more splash after finishing second on the medals table at last year's London Olympics.
The student athletes coming from 85 universities will compete in 21 events of the Universiade, which will be held in Kazan, capital of the Tatarstan Republic.
The Chinese delegation also includes 204 coaches and team officials.
A biggest ever Chinese delegation won 75 gold, 39 silver and 31 bronze medals to finish atop on both gold-medal and medals standings at the Shenzhen Universiade in 2011.
"The team will be much younger than the last one, as many of the elite athletes opt to skip the event and train for the Chinese National Games at home instead, but we still hope the athletes can perform well," said Yang Liguo, a top official of the Chinese delegation.
"China eye on a bunch of strong events to complete the gold medals haul, including diving, shooting, table tennis, gymnastics and badminton. And in athletics, swimming, weightlifting and judo, our student athletes will also fight for the medals of all colors.
"Our aim will be a top-three finish at the Kazan Universiade," Yang added.
Most members of the delegation had began their training camp in Beijing 10 days ago. The delegation ensured that all the registered athletes are students of Chinese universities between 18-28 years old.
In total, 13,500 athletes and team staff from 170 countries and regions are expected to participate in the student competition in 27 sports and compete for 351 gold medals.
The 27th Universiade is slated for July 6-17.
Wait and See!
I can catch you, rats