Kazan is the Capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Today Kazan is the largest scientific, economic and cultural center of Russia.

For Russia and the whole world Kazan is a symbol of tolerance, a peaceful neighborhood of two great religions and cultures, with about one hundred nationalities and ethnic groups living in friendship and peace.

A unique combination of Western and Eastern traditions adds to the city an inimitable color.

Kazan is situated at the junction of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. The journey from the capital of the Russian Federation - Moscow - to Kazan takes 1 hour 20 minutes by plane.

Kazan is the city of students. It is ranked in third place in Russia according to the number of higher educational establishments, with approximately 180,000 students.

Kazan is recognized all around the world for its sporting achievements. According to research conducted by Russian mass media, Kazan was named the sport capital of Russia. Sport and physical trainings became a lifestyle for Kazan dwellers.

In recent years Kazan has hosted many Championships such as: the Belt Wrestling World Championships 2005, Bandy World Championship 2005, 2011; Ice Hockey World Championships U18 2008, World University Boxing Championship 2008, European Shotgun Championship 2010.

Many Russian Championships are also held in Kazan regularly. There are: track and field, swimming, fencing, tennis, wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics etc. Now Kazan is able to host world championship on the very high level.

On May 31, 2008 Kazan was announced the winner of XXVII World Summer Universiade 2013 bidding campaign. Among Kazan's competitors were the cites of Gwangju (Korea) and Spanish city, Vigo.

Competitions in 26 sports will be held during the Universiade in Kazan. About 12,000 athletes and delegations members from 170 countries, 1500 mass media representatives and about 100,000 tourists and spectators from Russia and all over the world will come to the Universiade.