WATCH: Passengers go for a 'swim' in Taipei's sports-themed trains

TAIPEI - Commuters in Taipei on Tuesday (August 1) pretended to bat, swim and race on a subway train, where the floors have been papered over to resemble sport arenas ahead of the Summer Universiade the city is hosting later this month.

Six different venues - a swimming pool, football field, basketball court, baseball pitch, athletics track and field for throwing events are featured on the train.

The 3D ripple effect of the swimming pool floor in particular has caught the attention of many, some even stripping down to their swimsuits to strike a pose.

"It's uncanny, you really feel like you're actually there, so I really feel like jumping in for a swim," said Yuki Chou, who was dressed as a mermaid.

Staged biennially in alternating summer and winter editions, the Universiade gathers university student athletes from around the world to compete in various sports.

They are said to be second in their reach only to the Olympic Games, according to the website of the International University Sports Federation.

This is the first time the Universiade is to be held in Taiwan.

The 29th Summer Universiade kicks off on August 19 and runs till August 30, with a total of 22 sports, from archery to weightlifting, featured.

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