Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday inaugurated WorldSkills Kazan 2019, global championship of vocational skills and trades, in a ceremony at Kazan Arena.

"Russia hosts a global-level skills competition for the first time, and we are very proud of that. The WorldSkills Competition has become far more than just a youth contest".
"In fact, it has grown into a Competition for the Future, forming a diverse multi-cultural and international platform where participants can work, compete, and communicate; for the Future, where inspiration, discovery, friendship, and new achievements find place," Medvedev said.

More than 1,300 competitors from over 60 countries and regions, including a 48-member Indian team, are participating in the championship.

Medvedev wished all the competitors success.

WorldSkills Kazan 2019 is expected to be the largest WorldSkills Competition ever held, and takes place during four days at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre.

"Just to be here, means that these young men and women are already champions in their own right. But as they pick up their tools and focus their brains for the white heat of excellence, they also bring us a message of unity.

"We have great expectations for the next days, our anticipation heightened by this marvellous opening ceremony and the sight of all those young people carrying the flags of so many nations, as well as carrying the hopes of their generation," WorldSkills President Simon Bartley said.