An official ceremony to open the 2013 World University Games, or Universiade, was held on Saturday, July 6 in Kazan.
© RIA Novosti . Grigorii Sisoev / Go to the mediabankAn official ceremony to open the 2013 World University Games, or Universiade, was held on Saturday, July 6 in Kazan.
An official ceremony to open the 2013 World University Games, or Universiade, was held on Saturday, July 6 in Kazan.
© RIA Novosti . Ilia Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe tournament in Kazan will be the biggest in the history of the University Games - athletes will compete for 351 sets of medals in 27 disciplines: 13 obligatory and 14 additional, proposed by the host country.
The tournament in Kazan will be the biggest in the history of the University Games - athletes will compete for 351 sets of medals in 27 disciplines: 13 obligatory and 14 additional, proposed by the host country.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksei Kudenko / Go to the mediabankThe ceremony began with a parade of children and teenagers costumed in the multicolored dress of some of Russia’s many different ethnic groups.
The ceremony began with a parade of children and teenagers costumed in the multicolored dress of some of Russia’s many different ethnic groups.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankA total of 215 outfits were created for the march.
A total of 215 outfits were created for the march.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksey Philippov / Go to the mediabankA performer taking part in the opening ceremony.
A performer taking part in the opening ceremony.
A fireworks display was also held.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksandr Vilf / Go to the mediabankThe Russian flag was carried by eight young men and women, all winners of major domestic competitions.
The Russian flag was carried by eight young men and women, all winners of major domestic competitions.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankDuring the ceremony, the Russian flag was hoisted above the Kazan Arena stadium.
During the ceremony, the Russian flag was hoisted above the Kazan Arena stadium.
© RIA Novosti . Anton Denisov / Go to the mediabankRussian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the ceremony, greeted the athletes. More than 10,000 athletes from 166 countries spilled onto an oval walkway encircling the stage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the ceremony, greeted the athletes. More than 10,000 athletes from 166 countries spilled onto an oval walkway encircling the stage.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksey Philippov / Go to the mediabankThe parade of athletes, which followed, lasted approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The parade of athletes, which followed, lasted approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
© RIA Novosti . Ramil Sitdikov / Go to the mediabankThe Russian national team was the last to enter the stadium.
The Russian national team was the last to enter the stadium.
© RIA Novosti . Ilia Pitalev / Go to the mediabankWeightlifter Dmitry Khomyakov carried the flag of Team Russia.
Weightlifter Dmitry Khomyakov carried the flag of Team Russia.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Vyatkin / Go to the mediabankAfter the parade of athletes, a 3D show began. The first part of it was devoted to Russian culture.
After the parade of athletes, a 3D show began. The first part of it was devoted to Russian culture.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksey Philippov / Go to the mediabankThe second part of the show focused on Russian scientists and their discoveries.
The second part of the show focused on Russian scientists and their discoveries.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThe final part of the show demonstrated Russia’s major achievements.
The final part of the show demonstrated Russia’s major achievements.
© RIA Novosti . Grigorii Sisoev / Go to the mediabankA performer representing the world's first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.
A performer representing the world's first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.
© RIA Novosti . Anton Denisov / Go to the mediabankSpectators flashed green bulbs in unison, casting a dramatic glow over the packed 45,000-seat stadium.
Spectators flashed green bulbs in unison, casting a dramatic glow over the packed 45,000-seat stadium.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksey Philippov / Go to the mediabankPresident Vladimir Putin (on the right) officially declared the Games open.
President Vladimir Putin (on the right) officially declared the Games open.
© RIA Novosti . Aleksey Kudenko / Go to the mediabankOlympic judo champion Tagir Khaibulayev took part in a ceremony to light the Universiade flame.
Olympic judo champion Tagir Khaibulayev took part in a ceremony to light the Universiade flame.
© RIA Novosti . Ilia Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe flame of the 2013 Summer University Games was lit at the Kazan Arena stadium. The Universiade will run until July 17.
The flame of the 2013 Summer University Games was lit at the Kazan Arena stadium. The Universiade will run until July 17.