On August 11, 2011, President Hu Jintao met with FISU President George Gillian in Shenzhen, Guangdong.

Hu pointed out that hosting of the Universiade will help spread the Olympic movement in China and promote the popularity and development of university sports in China and the world as a whole. He said the Universiade will provide an important platform for university students from all around the world to carry out exchanges. Hu said that all the preparation work for the Shenzhen Universiade has been completed under the strong support of FISU and joint effort of all members of the FISU family. "We expect that the 26th Universiade be a total success," said Hu.

Gillian spoke highly of the importance China attaches to youth sports, saying that FISU has maintained sound cooperation with China as all major sports events it staged in China achieved success. Gillian said FISU is ready to continue to step up cooperation and exchanges with China so as to advance development of the world university sports.

Liu Yandong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and State Councilor, and other officials attended the meeting.