The 2027 Chungcheong Summer Universiade has officially begun its preparations, following a symbolic handover of the Universiade flag at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Rhine-Ruhr Universiade. The handover took place at Duisburg's Nordpark in Germany on the 28th (local time), marking a significant milestone as the four Chungcheong provinces—Daejeon, Sejong, Chungbuk, and Chungnam—step forward as joint hosts of the global sporting event.

At the ceremony, Kang Chang-hee, Chairman of the Chungcheong Universiade Organizing Committee, was joined by honorary chairman Lee Jang-woo (Mayor of Daejeon), Choi Min-ho (Mayor of Sejong), Kim Young-hwan (Governor of Chungbuk), and Kim Tae-heum (Governor of Chungnam). The Universiade flag, presented by Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), and Jörg Förster, Chair of the German University Sports Federation, was entrusted to Chairman Kang. Regional leaders then waved the flag energetically, reaffirming their determination for a successful Universiade in two years’ time.

The flag, accompanied by the athletics delegation, will return to Korea and be officially held by the organizing committee until 2027. The ceremony featured a special cultural showcase introducing Chungcheong and Korean heritage to the world: Park Sun-joo delivered a melodious entry performing the gayageum while suspended overhead, followed by master pansori singer Jeong Bo-gwon’s powerful “Resonance of Chungcheong.” A mesmerizing display blended traditional ink painting visuals with performances by a troupe of eleven dancers, culminating in a dynamic finale combining gayageum, DJ beats, pansori, and traditional fan dance. The audience responded with a standing ovation as the festivities peaked.

Closing with the theme “More Than Sport: A Meaningful and Unique Journey,” the performance invited the world to reunite in Chungcheong in 2027. Chairman Kang emphasized, “Chungcheong is home to a rich tradition, where Korea’s history and modernity harmoniously coexist. We are committed to solidarity and unity as we evolve into one Megacity.” He added, “For the next two years, we will work to ensure every athlete’s journey is rewarding and memorable, and provide opportunities to experience a diversity of Korean culture—including our traditional arts, K-pop, and K-food.”

Held biennially, the Universiade is the world’s largest sports festival for university athletes. The 2027 Chungcheong edition, scheduled for August 1–12, will see over 15,000 participants from 150 nations competing across 18 sports, including archery, fencing, and gymnastics.

At the recently concluded 2025 Universiade, which took place in five cities across Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region and in Berlin until July, Team Korea finished fourth with 21 gold, 9 silver, and 27 bronze medals. Japan led the medal table with 34 golds, followed by China and the United States. At the previous edition in Chengdu, China (2023), Korea had placed third overall.

Korean athletes made impressive achievements by winning a total of 14 medals in taekwondo, maintaining their status as the sport’s birthplace. The women’s fencing team secured a historic first gold in the team foil event, while the women’s archery team set a new Universiade record in the compound team discipline.

In swimming, Lee Eun-ji set a national record and won bronze in the women’s 200-meter backstroke. Judoka Heo Mi-mi took gold after recovering from shoulder surgery, and Korea marked a milestone in athletics by winning the relay event.

The Korean delegation is scheduled to return to Korea via Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 29th.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency