Proceedings were running smoothly until the Parade of Nations was disrupted with some delegations prevented from entering the stadium by protesters.

Local reports have suggested the protests may have been sparked over a pension dispute.

In the absence of the teams, volunteers instead paraded the national flags with nobody alongside them.

Eventually though, and to the delight of the crowd, local authorities dealt with the situation allowing all athletes to enter the stadium to a wall of noise.

Once the Parade of Nations concluded, International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Oleg Matytsin took to the stage.

"I am sorry for the delay, but sometimes the best things are worth waiting for," the Russian said.

"I would like to thank you for a very warm welcome.

"No-one can stop our students.

"The Universiade is about values, it offers a rare opportunity for athletes to experience a new part of the world.

"It offers them the chance to come together through sport.

"I am sure our values will help you with your future careers."

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach also spoke at the ceremony via a video message after being unable to attend.

FISU secretary general and chief executive Eric Saintrond cited the IOC’s packed agenda as the reason for Bach’s absence earlier today.

It replicated the Almaty 2017 Winter Universiade, where a video was also shown.

Taipei 2017 was then officially declared open by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who officially welcomed athletes from across the world.

Following the speeches, pop star Wang Leehom gave a memorable performance.

He was joined on stage by over 400 dancers and reportedly spent $33,000 (£25,600/€28,000) on costumes for his cast. 

The Ceremony also featured three different cultural performances, aiming to present the story of Taiwan.

Vibrant Island depicted the various culture and tribes of Taiwan, Hybrid Taipei revealed the urban image of the city while Global Tribe conveyed the digital era.

The climax of the Ceremony saw the arrival of the flame into the stadium, where it was used to light the Universiade Cauldron.

Chinese Taipei baseball player Chin-Feng Chen hit a fireball from around 50 metres to set the cauldron ablaze before a crescendo of fireworks and cheering brought the Ceremony to a close.

Action now turns to tomorrow's first medal events.

Prizes are due to be won in 18 competitions in diving, fencing, artistic gymnastics, judo, swimming, taekwondo and weightlifting.