While opening the meeting in the Government House, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said that the work to prepare the Universiade in Kazan is under way. "The facilities are being prepared, the city is getting ready, the transport infrastructure is developing, and Kazan is getting better and better," he said.

Shuvalov also stressed the importance of attracting students not only to the competition, but also to the Universiade torch relay race. The torch is presently on board the Sedov ship on a tour around the world.

On January 25, 2013, the torch will be dispatched to Vladivostok. From there, the Russian stage of the torch relay race will begin.

"It's important to attract as many students as possible to the event – from Moscow in particular, and from Vorobyovy Hills, which is associated with Moscow State University, a major Russian university," he said. Shuvalov also proposed to organise a trip to the Universiade in Kazan for students from all over Russia. He stressed that the guests should watch not only the competition, but also explore the sights in Kazan and Tatarstan.

"It would be good for Russians to see Kazan, and the Universiade is a wonderful pretext," Shuvalov said. "Let the entire country from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka be represented at the Games. Kazan has something to show – its history, culture, and modern infrastructure. The Universiade is our national heritage. We should hold the Games at the most professional level."