After 12 days of intense competitions, the 28th Winter Universiade Almaty 2017 officially concluded with the Closing Ceremony in the Almaty Arena on February 8. A new record of participating countries was recorded, with 57 national delegations taking part in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together 2.481 participants from all around the world.

The closing ceremony followed the last sports act of the Universiade - men's ice hockey finals, played between the Kazakh hosts and their Russian counterparts. Although Kazakhstan was not able to win gold in the match, the overall event definitely deserves a gold medal.



Universiade in Almaty enabled great conditions for the participants, who were able to compete in 12 winter sports, and will leave positive legacy - both locally as well as internationally.

At the closing ceremony, after a wonderful music featuring a dance spectacle, all flags of the participating delegations were marched in the Arena, followed by the delegations.



Closing speeched were given by Mr Bakytzhan Sagintayev, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, and Mr Oleg Matytsin, the President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). In their speeches, they recognised an excellent cooperation, praised the work of volunteers. FISU President Matytsin especially thanked the President, Government and the people of Kazakstan, "It is the unique, magical atmosphere, which makes the Universiade in Almaty truly special. Never in the history of Winter Universiades did we see such an enthusiastic and welcoming audience. Everybody could feel the warmness and an incredible cheering of tribunes filled with students, families and children. Dear people of Almaty, thank you for these unforgettable moments!"



At the end of his speech, the FISU President declared the Almaty Universiade closed and the ceremonial FISU flag was passed from the mayor of Almaty Mr Baurzhan Baibek to the Mayor of Krasnoyarsk Mr Edkham Akbulatov.



Once the FISU flag was passed to the next host, Krasnoyarsk put on a dazzling show of music, dances and figures skaters to invite the university sport family to the centre of Siberia for the 29th Winter Universiade that will take place in March 2019.



Top three countries on the medal table were Russia (29 G, 27 S, 15 B), followed by host Kazakhstan (11 G, 8 S, 17 B) and Korea (11 G, 5 S, 5 B). The 255 medals at stake were won by athletes from 26 countries. We are very happy to see that 19 countries from this list are from Europe, members of the European University Sports Association (EUSA).

For more information, please see www.almaty2017.com and www.fisu.net.