The 2010 World University Squash Championships kicked off with the official Opening Ceremony on Saturday evening at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

38 students from 11 competing countries took part in the athletes march at the Opening Ceremony, at which City of Monash Mayor Charlotte Baines declared the Championship officially open, marking the start of the week long competition.

FISU, the world governing body for university sport, was represented by Kenny Chow and was joined on stage by the Chairman of the Organising Committee Alf Lazer.

Students from Europe, Egypt, North America and Asia have travelled to Melbourne for the Championship, and will compete in singles and team events alongside four Australian competitors.

Australian competitor Selena Shaikh was selected to read the athlete’s oath on behalf of all competitors. Her fellow competitor Australian Sam Brown can’t wait for play to get underway. "I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of players we will come up against, and seeing what it feels like to be representing your country at a world championships" Mr Brown said.

Following the Opening Ceremony, athletes and invited guests attended a traditional Australian BBQ dinner on the campus.

Competition begins on Sunday.


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