MANAMA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- More than 5,300 athletes and coaches from nearly 70 countries and regions are participating in the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024 that kicked off on Thursday.

The opening ceremony, held at the National Stadium in Riffa, featured a fireworks display as teams from various nations and territories marched with their flags.

China's delegation was led by flag bearers table tennis player Li Tianyang and taekwondo athlete Li Yuqi. The Chinese team, consisting of 55 female and 48 male athletes, will compete in several sports, such as track and field, swimming, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball and table tennis.

On the first day of the competition, Li Yuxuan, a student from Qianfeng School in Beijing's Changping District, delivered an outstanding performance, earning China's first gold medal in the tournament. She won first place in the blue and green belt category of the karate women's individual form (17-18 age group).

The opening ceremony on Thursday showcased diverse artistic and sports performances that reflect Bahrain's cultural heritage, embodying values of tolerance and fraternity, alongside performances from participating countries.

The Gymnasiade, which runs until October 31, features competitions across 26 sports, including athletics, archery, badminton, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, chess, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and judo. Events for athletes with disabilities will also be held in athletics, badminton and judo.

Established in 1972, the ISF is a non-profit international sports organization that governs national school sports bodies and organizes educational events for young aged six to 18.

Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1995, the ISF has 132 members and organizes over ten events annually across more than 30 sports. Enditem

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