Teams from China, Japan, the UK and Canada have arrived in Almaty to participate in the 28 th Winter Student Games. 2,000 athletes from 56 countries will demonstrate their skills in 12 sports during the Universiade.

Lei Luo, coach, women's hockey team of China:

We came well prepared and want to win the the hockey match, time will show.

Fans from different countries are also arriving in Almaty. Marina Vischido and Andrey Bakulya have come from from Italy. They are fans of winter sports and will root for the national team. It is their first time in Almaty. The city has welcomed them with heavy snowfall and has impressed them very much.

Andrey Bakulya, visitor of Universiade 2017 from Italy:

we will stay here until the 14th of February. Therefore we will have enough time to explore the city. I am planing to eat only Kazakh food such as kumys, horse meat, lamb and plov. I like al of these, and manty too.

Marina Vischido, visitor of Universiade 2017 from Italy:

I live in Venice. Almaty has really impressed us! The culture is rich. The Kazakh people are very welcoming. This is obvious. I wish good luck not only to my compatriots but also to all the athletes.