The FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025 have come to a close, leaving behind an impressive legacy of sporting excellence, cultural unity, and inclusive celebration. Hosted across six cities in the North Rhine-Westphalia region and Berlin, the event brought together over 9,000 participants from 102 countries—making it one of the most diverse and engaging editions in the history of university sport.
Athletes from 1,970 universities competed in 18 sports, producing 234 medal events and setting an outstanding 27 new FISU records—17 in swimming, 6 in athletics, and 4 in archery. The level of competition was matched by an equally powerful atmosphere of friendship and solidarity among athletes, spectators, and volunteers.
AIMS congratulates FISU for delivering an event that not only celebrated the athletic talents of student-athletes, but also fostered a meaningful connection between sport, education, and culture. The Games featured over 445 hours of live sports coverage on FISU.tv and welcomed 913 accredited media professionals, showcasing the global significance of this multi-sport event.
One of the most symbolic venues was the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum, a former steel plant transformed into a vibrant hub for the FISU World Conference. There, academic presentations on mental health and sustainability were held alongside thrilling 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball matches—marking the first time both formats were featured on the same court during a FISU Summer Games. Nearby, the Ruhr Games Festival provided additional cultural programming, bridging sport and the arts.
FISU President Leonz Eder praised the event as a model of inclusivity and sustainability, noting the high sporting standards and the strong bond between university sport and academic dialogue. FISU Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund commended the Organising Committee for their dedication and professionalism, he also highlighted the exceptional contribution of the volunteers, whose commitment and positivity left a lasting impression on athletes and visitors.
AIMS congratulates the FISU and the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games for reflecting the shared values of unity, education, and sporting excellence. As the flame is passed on, the memories and milestones created during these 12 days will continue to inspire the global sports community.
