Daegu World University Games can be crowned with the gold medal of best Universiade,George Killian,president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU),said on Friday.

He said he was impressed with the efforts done by the Daegu Universiade Organizing Committee (DUOC)even before the Games started.

"I'd like to congratulate the organizing committee for the wonderful extravaganza we were all part of last night,"stated Killian,who was reelected as the president at the FISU assembly here on Tuesday.

"Everytime we host a Universiade,we always say that was the greatest we've ever had,"he said."As of last night,the gold medal winners in what is the best Universiade in history now belongs to Daegu."

Daegu officially opened the 22nd Universiade on Thursday with aceremony highlighted by spectacular fireworks,impressive choreographed and technology-backed images and sounds.

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun declared open the 11-day Olympic-style event in the city recognized for its cultural and educational traditions.

"You certainly won the gold medal last night ...It was extraordinary.It was unbelievable,"Killian said.

South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea marched in a unified team amid deafening cheers at the opening ceremony,which Killian thought was especially impressive.

"The idea of the countries coming together and how the stands reacted to the group were pleasing to us,"said the 79-year-old.He added that the purpose of the Universiade was to provide an opportunity for the world youth to get together.

"And we broke the record for countries and regions entries,"Killian said,adding that 166countries and regions have already registered for the event while six more are expected to come in a few days.The record was 165in Beijing two years ago.

"I read the newspaper this morning and the comments of the press were very,very positive,and I would ask you as you continue to watch over the next 10days to replicate the positive aspects of the Games,"said Killian.