IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES

5th August, 2023 MISCELLANEOUS

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Context: India's performance at the World University Games has been remarkable, as the country has won 23 medals in four different disciplines so far.  India has sent 256 athletes to compete in the event, which will end on August 8th. The World University Games is a biennial multi-sport event for university students from around the world.

Details

  • At the midway point of the 2018 World University Games, India has won a total of 23 medals across four sports, with shooting winning 14 medals, including 8 gold medals. Shooting is closely followed by Archery (7 medals) and Judo (1 medal each).
  • Till the 2019 University Games (30th edition of the World University Games), India had won a total of 18 medals since the commencement of the World University Games in 1959. However, India has already achieved an unprecedented total of 23 medals in the 31st Edition of the World University Games, which is currently underway (3rd August).

World University Games

  • The International University Sports Federation (FISU) organises the FISU World University Games, formerly known as the Universiade, an international multi-sport event for university athletes.
  • The 2021 Summer World University Games organized in Chengdu, China from July 28 to August 8, 2023, after being postponed three times due to the COVID-19 epidemic. It effectively superseded the Summer World University Games, which were scheduled to take place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2023. It was cancelled following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
  • It is designed specifically for university athletes from around the world and is considered one of the largest sporting events after the Olympics. It brings together thousands of university athletes from various countries to compete in a wide range of sports. These athletes are currently enrolled in universities or have graduated within the past year.
  • The event is held biennially, alternating between summer and winter editions. The summer games encompass a variety of sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball, soccer, and more. The winter games feature sports like skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and others.
  • The games follow a similar format to the Olympics, with an opening ceremony, various sports competitions, and a closing ceremony.

Overall, the World University Games provide a platform for young athletes to gain valuable international experience, compete at a high level, and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie on a global scale.

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the primary purpose of the World University Games?

A) To provide a platform for professional athletes to compete

B) To promote cultural exchange among university students

C) To showcase new sports that are not included in the Olympics

D) To select athletes for the upcoming Olympic Games

Answer: B

Explanation: The primary purpose of the World University Games, also known as the Universiade, is to promote cultural exchange among university students from different countries. While high-level competition is a significant aspect of the event, the Universiade emphasizes fostering international friendships, understanding, and cooperation among young athletes. It provides a unique platform for student-athletes to connect and engage in cultural exchange beyond just the athletic competition.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1945867