Taipei, July 26 (CNA) Riding high on the success of two years ago, the Taiwanese delegation is confident of a repeat performance in the upcoming biennial World University Games (WUG) , which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, a spokesman for the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation (CTUSF) said Thursday.
In 2005, Taiwan won six gold, two silvers and three bronzes -- its best performance in WUG history -- in Izmir, Turkey, CTUSF Secretary-General Wei Shiang-ming said, adding that not many expected the delegation to do so well prior to the games.
Taiwan is sending 16 men's and women's teams and a total of almost 200 university athletes to participate in 14 categories of sport in the WUG, which will be held from August 8 - 18, in various venues throughout the Greater Bangkok area.
Women's softball, table tennis, badminton and tennis are among the categories in which Taiwan is hopeful of winning medals, Wei said.
"Two thirds of the women's softball team members came from the national team. They are experienced. And most of the top local tennis, table tennis and badminton players are included in the delegation this year. That's why we're optimistic, " he said.
This year, for the first time, the biennial meet has introduced an age limit of 25 years-old on all participating athletes. The new rule is expected to benefit Taiwan, Wei said, as most Taiwanese athletes peak during their college career.