A record number of Moldovan athletes will take part in the 27th World Universiade that will be held in Russian’s Kazan on July 6-17.  The 61 athletes will compete in 13 events, IPN reports.

“Fir the first time we have such a large delegation. We hope we will manage to win at least three medals,” Petru Gaugas, president of the Federation of University Sports of Moldova, said in a meeting with members of the delegation.

Weightlifter Oleg Sirghi will carry Moldova’s flag. “I haven’t yet won medals at this competition and will do my utmost to win one,” said the sportsman. Athlete Zalina Marghiev, who is a champion of the 2011 edition held in China, and boxers Vasile Belous and Dumitru Galagot are thought to have chances of winning medals.

“I hope we will all be pleased with the results of our athletes,” said Nicolae Piatac, vice president of the National Olympic Committee.

Since the first participation in the University Games in 1995, Moldova has won three golds, two silvers, and five bronzes. This year the competition will bring together about 10,000 athletes from 162 countries.