Five Guangzhou competitors bagged four gold medals and seven medallions for excellence at the 45th WorldSkills Competition held in Kazan, Russia from Aug 22 to 27.

Hu Gengjun from Guangzhou Mechanical and Electrical Technician College was crowned champion in the mobile robotics category, while Chen Zifeng from Guangzhou Architectural Engineering Vocational School dominated in bricklaying.

Chen Zifeng from Guangzhou Architectural Engineering Vocational School wins a gold medal in bricklaying at the 45th WorldSkills Competition held in Kazan, Russia from Aug 22 to 27. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

Wen Caiyun from Baiyun Technician College of Business and Technology took the gold medal in fashion technology. Chen Junhui and Li Junhong from Guangzhou City Construction Vestibule School shared the championship in concrete construction work.

Dubbed the "Olympics of World Skills", the biennial competition is the largest and most prestigious of its kind. It aims to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people, as well as show how important skills are in achieving economic growth. This year, 1,355 contestants from 69 countries and regions pitted their skills in 56 competitions.

China ranked first in the medal tally with 16 gold medals, 14 silver, and 5 bronze medals, as well as 17 medallions for excellence in total.