AKIPRESS.COM - The 28th World Winter Universiade has kicked off in Almaty on January 29 night with President Nursultan Nazarbayev's opening remarks.

Nazarbayev said in his speech that sports can change the city and life of people.

"Through sport, science and culture, we want to show  the entire world Kazakhstan's formula of peace and tolerance," he said.

Nursultan Nazarbayev pointed out that the Universiade has become a locomotive of the development of sports infrastructure of Almaty city.

"This is a city of young people. A city of students. One third of all Kazakhstan's universities are located in Almaty. 137,000 students study here. The legendary and beloved Medeu skating rink will return its past glory," said Nazarbayev.

"Let this flame of the Universiade be a flame of friendship. In this fair competition, may the best athletes win," he added.

President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Oleg Matytsin attended the ceremony and conveyed best regards of the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

More than 2,000 athletes from 57 countries will compete in 12 sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, curling, ski jumping, cross country, Nordic combined, snowboard, freestyle skiing, figure skating, speed skating and short track. A total of 543 medals will be awarded.

The Universiade will go through to February 8.