Russia sees China major rival in Universiade

Updated: 2011-08-04 11:04

(Xinhua)

MOSCOW - Chinese sportsmen would be the major competitors of the Russian team during the 26th World University Games in China's Shenzhen, Russian Sports Minister Vitali Mutko said Tuesday.

"These Games will not be easy, because they take place in China. Competition from the Chinese sportsmen will be very high. Our guys face tough challenge. But I think they will perform properly," Mutko said.

Russian team consists of 476 students from 64 educational institutions. Some of them are Olympics champions. They will compete in all 24 events for 306 medals from August 12-23.

About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is located at the southern tip of the Chinese mainland on the eastern bank of the mouth of the Pearl River and neighbors Hong Kong.

The brainchild of Deng Xiaoping, the country's first special economic zone was established here by the Chinese Government in 1980. It has been a touchstone for China's reform and opening-up policy since then.