SINGAPORE - An estimated 1,500 athletes from 11 countries gathered at Nanyang Technological University to mark the opening of the Asean University Games (AUG) on Sunday.

The biennial event returned to the Republic's shores after 22 years.

Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung declared the 18th AUG officially open.

The event, which runs till July 19, will feature 16 sports.

The participants erupted into raucous cheers and applause as their respective flag bearers took the stage during the opening ceremony.

The ceremony also featured dance performances by students from Singapore Institute of Management and Singapore Management University.

Also present was AUG organising committee chairman Dr Tan Eng Liang.

"We are very proud and privileged to be able to organise the 18th edition of the AUG," said Dr Tan.

"As far as the organising committee is concerned, we are concentrating on giving every participant a memorable experience in Singapore."