FISU today welcomed the announcement of revised dates for Tokyo 2020 and the prospect of an exceptional summer of Olympic sport in 2021. FISU will maintain the planned August slot for the Chengdu 2021 FISU Summer World University Games, with only a slight 2-day modification to the original dates, as per the request of the local organising committee.  

“2021 promises to be a great Summer of international multisport competition of the very highest level,” said FISU President Oleg Matytsin. “Many Olympians are also World University Games participants, and they now have the opportunity to prepare for two major multisport competitions in Asia in the same timeframe.” 

Following a request from the local organising committee of the flagship student-athlete summer multi-sports event, FISU approved a change of dates to 18-29 August. Chengdu 2021 had originally been scheduled to start two days earlier, running from 16-27 August. 

“By confirming these revised dates today, FISU is happy to contribute a measure of certainty for student athletes and National University Sports Federations, as they continue to deal with the uncertainty and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” continued Matytsin. “We remain deeply grateful to our friends and colleagues in China for their continued support of university sport as they prepare for what promises to be an exceptional World University Games.” 

Maintaining a Summer 2021 timing for Chengdu 2021 will ensure student athletes face no eligibility challenges, while also enabling National University Student Federations to maintain their operational and financial plans for the World University Games. 

“FISU was happy to approve the proposal by the Chengdu 2021 organisers for a revised start date of the 31st Summer World University Games. The revision will allow for one of the key ceremonies to fall on a weekend,” said FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond.   

“In addition to the university athletes who will feature in Tokyo 2020, I’m sure there are many others who will be looking forward to testing themselves against recent Olympians. The calendaring of Chengdu 2021 is already being well received by major television broadcasters looking to extend the narrative of exceptional performances in summer sports with additional top-level content.” 

The 31st Summer World University Games are expected to draw over 10,000 student-athletes and officials from more than 150 countries for 11 days of competition. They will comprise more than 200 medal events across 18 sports disciplines and includes the three optional sports of Rowing, Shooting Sport and Wushu.