The eastern city of Erzurum won the right to host the 2011 Winter Universiade, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) announced in Turin, Italy on Tuesday night.  Erzurum beat the other candidate, Maribor of Slovenia, during an executive meeting of the FISU at the Teatro Regio in Turin. Speaking after the decision was announced, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Şahin said they were extremely happy. “Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also called and congratulated us, but the real job starts from today on. In cooperation with the governor's office, the municipality, other local officials and Erzurum residents, we will host the Universiade in the best way possible; the organization will set an example to the world.” Youth and Sports General Director Mehmet Atalay said it was an award to Turkey for the past successful events organized. “We have taken it up a notch,” Atalay said, “We will host the 2010 World Basketball Championships and 2011 Winter Universiade. “ The organization is a great chance for Erzurum, Erzincan, Bayburt and Kars. Huge investments will be made in these cities and the facilities to be built will be our reference for our number one goal; hosting the Olympic Games,” he added. Erzurum Mayor Ahmet Küçükler said the decision would be a great opportunity to promote Erzurum and Turkey on an international level. “To host the 2011 Winter Universiade is the wish of every single Erzurum citizen and the decision also confirms that Palandöken is now a world-renowned ski resort. We have the capacity to complete whatever is needed by 2011.” Meanwhile, China's Shenzhen was named the host city for the 2011 Summer World Universiade, beating Taiwan's Kaohsiung, Poznan of Poland, Karzan of Russia and Spain's Murcia.