The Russian city of Krasnoyarsk was officially confirmed the host city for the 2019 Winter University Games at the FISU Executive Committee meeting in Brussels on November 10.

      The big Siberian city of about 1 million citizens and an industrial center was the sole applicant for the Games, after its rival Swiss district of Valais withdrew its candidacy last month.

      While winter temperatures in Krasnoyarsk regularly dip down to minus 20 degrees Celsius, it is advantageously located near prime skiing territory in the Sayan Mountain Range.

      Krasnoyarsk will become the third Russian city to host the Universiade, following 1973 Games in Moscow and this June’s competition in Kazan.

      "We will be very happy to welcome students from all around the world,” Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said, "the development of the youth and sport is of major importance for the government of the city. This is why we believe that Krasnoyarsk will successfully host the 2019 Universiade.”