The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has announced that the 2021 World University Games, originally scheduled to take place in Chengdu, China in August 2021, will be postponed to 2022.

The decision, made by FISU, the Federation of University Sports of China (FUSC) and the Organising Committee of Chengdu 2021, was taken due to the global COVID-19 situation and international travel restrictions at present, with rescheduled dates to be agreed at a later stage.

Considering that many athletes expected to compete during Chengdu 2021 have not been able to train due to university campuses and sports facilities having faced lengthy closures, along with the likely improvements in the public health situation over the next year, organisers felt the decision to postpone the event to 2022 would result in the formative experience that FISU aims to deliver. This approach is fully aligned with FISU’s goal of positively shaping the leaders of the future through their experience of international university sport. The name Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games and its logo will be retained.

The decision from FISU, FUSC and the Organising Committee aims to protect the safety and health of all people involved including athletes and the citizens. FISU, FUSC and the Organising Committee will continue to promote the events and ensure a successful FISU Games next year.