The 2017 Universiade was officially declared open by Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing welcoming athletes from around the world. The spectacular ceremony featured 3 different cultural performances presenting the story of Chinese Taipei to the world.

Stunning digital and human performances received standing ovations and then when over 4,000 athletes marched into the arena with the final team Chinese Taipei the stadium erupted. Chinese Taipei baseball hero Chin Feng Chen hit the fireball from around 50 metres lighting up the cauldron and sending a firework into the stadium and around Taipei.

FISU President Oleg Matytsin made a heartfelt speech addressing the youth as tomorrow’s leaders and our future. IOC president Dr Thomas Bach made a video address to all the athletes showing his pride back in the days when he was a proud participant in the Universiade

Muaythai is a proud member of FISU and the FISU Muaythai World Championships will be held in Thailand next year.