The flag-raising ceremony for the South African delegation was held Thursday morning at the 21st Universiade Athletes' Village in Beijing.

Village mayor Zhang Jianmin and Beijing vice mayor Lin Wenyi joined about 40 South African officials, coaches and athletes in the ceremony.

"Of importance is the fact that we are one of the first countries to arrive in Beijing and have our flag as among the first ones to be raised." said Francas Maleka, president of the South African Student Sports Union (SASSU).

South Africa is set to dispatch a 197-member delegation, hoping to produce good performances in athletics, volleyball and soccer competitions.

The World University Games, slated for August 22-September 1, is expected to draw a record 7,000 athletes from about 160 countries and regions.

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