NANJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on young people to participate in physical exercises to carry forward the spirit of the Summer Youth Olympic Games held in Nanjing last year.

In instructions sent to a meeting commending the games on Tuesday, Xi wrote, "We should guide the young to develop vigorous health, forge strong wills and bring into play the power of youth, letting them contribute to the great revival of the Chinese nation."

Xi said that the games, held between August 16 and 28, showed the world an open, confident and friendly China, a legacy that should be upheld.

Premier Li Keqiang wrote in his instruction letter that the spirit of the games should be carried forward to train a strong new force for China's future.