Daily Blog Day 3: Gold and blue feathers in Bochum at the RUHR GAMES

The RUHR GAMES are in full swing. Running until Sunday, they offer a diverse programme of sport, culture and science. A true highlight was the opening concert by Ski Aggu, supported by Filow. But the rest of the line-up is just as impressive – including Sunday’s closing concert by Querbeat, with support from Dilla. There’s plenty to look forward to on the sports side as well, with standout events such as the FISU 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball competitions, exciting Urban Dance Battles, and a wide range of workshops in graffiti, parkour and teqball – plus interactive activities for young people and families.

A total of 11 sports are already being contested, and 10 out of 234 medal decisions have already been made. The USA currently tops the medal table, followed by South Korea and China. The first gold medal was won by Danish taekwondo athlete Eva Eun-kyung Sandersen. The upcoming day at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games promises plenty of excitement, emotion and top-level sport!There are 13 medal events scheduled – including two each in diving, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics and taekwondo, and five in swimming.But it’s not just about medals – the group stages are heating up as well: in badminton, 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball, as well as in basketball, tennis, water polo and volleyball, teams continue to battle for a place in the knockout rounds.Whether in the water, on the mat or out on the court – it’s shaping up to be another day full of goosebumps, gold and great sporting moments. A total of 11 sports are already being contested, and 10 out of 234 medal decisions have already been made. The USA currently tops the medal table, followed by South Korea and China. The first gold medal was won by Danish taekwondo athlete Eva Eun-kyung Sandersen.

The first medal events of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games also took place on Wednesday afternoon in Berlin, where Lena Hentschel and Luis Sanchez won gold in the mixed synchronised 3m springboard diving.

Germany’s men’s volleyball team also kicked off their tournament with a strong 3–0 win over the USA. Player Simon Kohn said: "Putting on the national team jersey again after such a long time – and doing it at home – yes, that makes you a bit nervous. But we really handled it confidently." Maybe his sister Hannah, who’s playing on the women’s team, will drop by to watch one of the upcoming matches.

Today’s blog is written by someone very special – someone who has been part of the action from the start and knows the six host cities better than their own feathers. Today, Wanda, the official mascot of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, takes us through her day.

Wow. What a day! I’m still buzzing with excitement. Today I wasn’t just anywhere – I was right in the middle of it all. In Bochum, at the Jahrhunderthalle, where the RUHR GAMES were officially opened (but you already know that, don’t you?).

Everywhere I looked, there were young people, sports, music, joy – and there I was, right among them! Welcomed with open arms, like a real star – or maybe even a bit of a celebrity (okay, maybe I am just a little!).

We kicked things off at the 3x3 basketball, right at the Field of Play. The atmosphere? Crackling with energy. The games were intense, the crowd was on fire – and me? I cheered with everything I had! My wings were aching from all the flapping by the end.

Then came my personal highlight: I got to accompany Minister-President Hendrik Wüst on his tour of the Jahrhunderthalle grounds. We visited loads of different stations and watched the true BMX pros in action. Oh – and I even got a hug from the Minister-President. My heart skipped a beat – and thank goodness my feathers are blue, so no one could see how red I probably turned!

Later that evening, it was time for music. At Ski Aggu, I was of course right at the front, dancing along to “Friesenjung”. The crowd was singing, dancing, celebrating – and I was right there with them, flapping my feathers with joy. I must’ve been glowing from wingtip to wingtip!

Honestly – so many happy faces, so much laughter, and so many photos. People came up to me, hugged me, and took selfies. The vibe was truly special. That’s why I’ve made up my mind – I’m settling in right here, building my nests in North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin.

I can’t wait for all the sport and festival fun still to come!

The upcoming day at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games promises plenty of excitement, emotion and top-level sport! There are 13 medal events scheduled – including two each in diving, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics and taekwondo, and five in swimming. But it is not just about medals – the group stages are heating up as well: in badminton, 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball, as well as in basketball, tennis, water polo and volleyball, teams continue to battle for a place in the knockout rounds.

Whether in the water, on the mat or out on the court – it’s shaping up to be another day full of goosebumps, gold and great sporting moments.