Turin:The flame for the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade was ceremonially lit in Turin, Italy, marking a significant step in the preparations for the 33rd Winter World University Games set to occur in northeast China's Jilin Province in January 2027.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the lighting ceremony took place at the University of Turin, where Changchun Mayor Gu Gang and International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder jointly lit the cauldron. They used a torch from the inaugural Universiade, originally held in Turin in 1959, and transferred the flame to a lantern designated for the Changchun 2027 Games.

The event included a promotional video, national anthems of China and Italy, and performances that highlighted Changchun's urban essence and Chinese culture. These performances featured a dance inspired by ice crystals and a traditional Chinese-style presentation that celebrated the winter landscapes of northern China.

Gu, who is also the chairman of the games' executive committee, stated that the flame collection ceremony would act as a cultural bridge between East and West. He noted that winter sports have the potential to enhance mutual understanding and foster friendships among young people from various countries and regions.

After the ceremony, the flame made its way through Turin, visiting notable sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Murazzi del Po, and concluded at Castello del Valentino, the historic seat of the Polytechnic University of Turin. Notable torchbearers included Eder, University of Turin Rector Cristina Prandi, and Polytechnic University of Turin Vice-Rector Elena Maria Baralis.

A welcoming ceremony for the flame is scheduled in Changchun on October 14. The Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade, running from January 15 to 25, 2027, will feature 97 events across 12 sports, including the newly introduced winter cross-country running discipline. Changchun and the neighboring Jilin will jointly host the event. The games mark the Winter Universiade's return to China after Harbin hosted it in 2009, with preparations underway in both Changchun and Jilin focusing on competition venues, event operations, and supporting services.