Taipei, Aug. 19 (CNA) More than 7,000 athletes from 141 delegations are expected to compete in the 2017 Universiade in Taipei, set to officially open later Saturday, International University Sports Federation (FISU) officials said that day.

The participants are from 3,000 universities around the world, FISU Secretary-General Eric Saintrond said at a news conference.

As of late Friday, 5,477 athletes from 119 countries had arrived in Taiwan, he added.

According to FISU President Oleg Matytsin, the Universiade provides an opportunity for young athletes worldwide to take part in a major international sports competition, which will have a positive impact on their futures.