Iraqi athlete Maryam Abdulelah has expressed her gratitude to China and Chengdu after becoming a surprise hit on Chinese social media and enjoying a warm welcome at the FISU World University Games.

Abdulelah, who competed in the women's high jump, became an instant online hit when she led the Iraqi delegation out as the team's flagbearer during the opening ceremony on July 28. Her photogenic looks caught the attention of netizens, generating a series of trending topics across several platforms.

One of the most popular hashtags — "Iraqi flagbearer is astonishingly beautiful" — was viewed over 79 million times on Weibo up until last weekend, with fans welcoming Abdulelah to China and wishing her the best in the comments sections.

She says she feels honored by all the attention.

"Thanks for the wonderful welcome and help from the Chinese people and Chinese netizens. Chengdu is such a beautiful city, the people here are so friendly, and their culture is wonderful," Abdulelah told China Daily through a translator.

"Since the first day we arrived here, the Chinese people have treated us like the most distinguished guests, giving us the warmest welcome. And the city here is so safe and beautiful. The sports facilities and venues are also top class."

Abdulelah's popularity online has made her a true star at the games. Inside the athletes' village and even on the streets of Chengdu, Abdulelah was often recognized by fellow athletes, volunteers or locals. And she has been happy to oblige their requests for selfies or a quick chat.

"The atmosphere here feels great, and the whole experience here has made me more confident. I really want to thank the Chinese people for their support," said Abdulelah.

She has also been mightily impressed by the Chinese culture, which has been showcased throughout the games thanks to a daily cultural fair in the athletes' village.

Activities at the fair include dressing up in hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), playing Chinese chess and practicing Chinese calligraphy. Licensed products, including the panda mascot Rongbao, sold at souvenir shops present a more modern take on Chinese culture.

"I know China has a very long history. When I came here, the beauty of the Chinese culture, the great natural landscape and the country's rapid development impressed me," Abdulelah said.

"And of course, in China, the panda is the most famous animal. We just love Chinese culture and the Chinese people."

Although Abdulelah failed to reach the podium in Chengdu, her passion for sports remains as strong as ever.

"Sports have gradually changed me in the best possible way, mentally and physically. By competing in domestic and international events, I learn from other athletes and gain more experience and confidence. It's also a great way to learn about different cultures and different people," said Abdulelah.

"The most important lesson that I learned from sports is to never give up easily, even if you suffer defeats. No matter what, I will keep marching forward to future success. I will need to train hard and fulfill my goals.

"Through sports, I have also learned that you can make your dreams come true. There will always be difficulties and problems, but we can learn to overcome these obstacles."

Chinese volunteer Tang Yunjing has spent time with Abdulelah and the rest of the Iraqi delegation, and reckons their complimentary words about Chengdu and China are more than just being polite.

"Having talked with them, I can sense that they are sincere. They want to get to know us more, and they have displayed a genuine interest in our culture. They have also bought many things, especially pandas!" Tang told China Daily.

Detailing her work as a volunteer, Tang said that she often helped the Iraqi delegation to schedule meetings and arrange transport. As a sophomore university student herself, Tang is also relishing the opportunity to meet international counterparts.

"There have been so many funny and memorable moments from the games. One of the coaches is very funny — he cannot speak Chinese or English but he still insists on chatting with me as much as possible through a translation app," Tang added.

"I'm so proud to participate in such a great international event. It allows me to see a bigger world. I'm also bettering myself here. For instance, my ability to deal with emergencies has improved a lot. Every day, I need to help participants solve all kinds of problems in a very short time. Even when I'm not with them, I have to arrange things well for them. All of these experiences are enriching."