China's star hurdler, Liu Xiang, holds the torch of the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade on Monday in Shenzhen as the selection for the Games' torchbearers kicked off.

Star hurdler Liu Xiang encouraged more young students to join the Universiade on Monday, as the selection for the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade torchbearers kicked off in the host city.

"I won my first international title at the 2001 Beijing Universiade, so the Universiade is where my dream started," said Liu, who claimed gold in the 110 meter hurdles at the 2001 Games in 13.33 seconds.

"Ten years have passed and a lot of things have happened to me. But I still cherished the opportunity at that time. Young people should try new things," said Liu, who attended the launching ceremony.

The former Olympic 110m hurdles champion and former world record holder has been selected as a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, 2006 Winter Olympics and 2008 Beijing Games.

"Each time being a torchbearer is unforgettable. They are very valuable experiences," said Liu. "No matter if you are chosen or not, just join in."

Sponsored by global partner of the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade, Coca-Cola, the selection started on Tuesday with the launch of the online registration system. University students can register on www.iCoke.cn with their basic information as well as their own stories and experience in sports.

At the same time, the selection of student reporters and working staff at the venues also began. Through the same online platform, students can also register to be candidates to become accredited reporters for the event or staff working at the venues.

According to organizers, 30 student reporters will be chosen and they will gather in Shenzhen in August for a training session with experienced reporters at Xinhua News Agency. About 500 students will be selected as venue staff.

The details of the torch relay will be revealed later.

The 2011 Shenzhen Universiade will be held from Aug 12-23. More than 13,000 athletes, coaches and officials from 180 countries and regions are expected to attend the games. The athletes will compete for more than 300 gold medals in 21 sports.

At the 25th Universiade, in Belgrade, the Chinese team claimed 22 gold medals, 21 silver and 15 bronze, ranking second on the medal table, behind Russia.