Organizers of the 2003 Summer Universiad said Friday they hope the international event will attract a record-high number of participating countries. According to the organizing committee, a total of 163 countries have so far indicated their intention to take part in the competition. Organizers expect to receive applications from seven more countries before the Aug. 21st opening of the Universiad, thereby breaking the record set by the 2001 Beijing Universiad with 164 countries. Daegu officials feared some countries may withdraw their participation in the wake of last month's arson attack on the city's subway system that killed at least 198 people but so far there have been no withdrawals.