China's southern metropolis Shenzhen on Saturday welcomed the first batch of 21 Malaysian athletes and officials, the first overseas sports delegation arriving for the 26th World University Games that will be held here from Aug. 12 to 23.

According to the delegation chief Shaharudin, Malaysia has sent 152 athletes to compete in 17 events in the Universiade, with an aim of clinching "as many medals as possible".

He said the other athletes will arrive in succession before the competition.

The official said that he does not expect to harvest a gold, but the "most possible" events to get medals are diving, archery and shooting.

"I hope we can get either one silver or bronze medal in diving, for I know China may swallow all the gold medals in this event."

So far, the best Malaysian achievement in the biennial games was a silver medal from the taekwondo event in Bangkok in 2007.

Also on Saturday, 46 athlets from Italy, Lithuania and Finland will arrive in Shenzhen.

As of Aug. 1, more than 8,000 athletes among 150 delegations from all over the world have applied for participation of the Shenzhen Universiade.