The 2005 Winter University Games have kicked off in Innsbruck, Austria for an eleven-day run.

Some 25-hundred athletes from 53 countries marked the launching of the 22nd Winter Universiade at the opening ceremony held early Thursday morning, Korean time.

South Korea's team, comprised of 124 athletes and staff, is hoping to rank fifth in overall medal standings at the games by aiming for the gold in ski jump and short-track events. In 2003, South Korea came in fourth in the overall medal tally.

The Universiade is a multi-sport event held every two years. It's open to athletes between 17 and 28 years of age who are full-time post-secondary students or who have graduated within the previous year.