Daily Blog Day 5: Between Table Tennis and the final day of science

The great wave of excitement and sporting enthusiasm of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games continues to sweep from host city to host city. From Duisburg to Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Bochum, and Hagen all the way to Berlin, the unique spirit of unity and sporting excellence is spreading – and hopefully, this energy will carry on in the days to come.

With today’s final in rhythmic gymnastics, the first sport of the Games concluded successfully — performed before packed stands and in a vibrant atmosphere. In total, 44 out of 234 medal events have now been decided. Notable champions include Hayoung Jeon of Republic of Korea, who won gold in the women’s sabre individual competition, and Damiano Di Veroli of Italy, who followed in the footsteps of teammate Aurora Grandis by taking gold in the men’s foil.

Meanwhile, the RUHR GAMES are approaching their finale. On the penultimate day, families and visitors were once again enthralled by a varied programme of activities and exciting competitions, particularly the qualifying matches that determined the finalists in 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball.

At the same time, the final day of the FISU World Conference took place. Over three days, the conference focused on science, sustainability and intercultural exchange, offering keynote speeches, workshops and discussion formats. It concluded with many new academic insights and valuable takeaways for the future of sport.

German divers continue their success: Jette Müller, Moritz Wesemann, Pauline Wesemann and Jaden Eikermann secured gold in the mixed team diving event. The German men’s volleyball team also advanced to the quarter-finals with a convincing 3–0 win over South Korea. “Our goal is, of course, to win a medal – we’ve made a solid first step,” said Lovis Homberger after the match. On Sunday, which is a rest day, the team plans to do some light training and celebrate Joscha Kunstmann’s birthday with a joint dinner.

Today’s guest post comes from two volunteers (attachés), who offer a personal glimpse into life behind the scenes with the athletes. Working alongside the German table tennis delegation, they experienced what it means to be part of the team — not just as spectators, but as contributors to its day-to-day operations.

Over the past few days, we had the special opportunity to volunteer as attachés for the German delegation at the World University Games – specifically for the German table tennis team. For both of us, it was an exciting and entirely new experience. It was the first time we were able to experience international table tennis competitions up close – not just as spectators, but as part of the team behind the team. We gained valuable insight into what goes on behind the scenes: how the athletes train, how everything is organised, and how important teamwork and logistics are to the overall success.

Our main task was to support the athletes with their day-to-day needs – for example, providing bananas, water, and cereal bars – as well as ensuring their laundry was handed over to the laundry service on time. We wanted to be as reliable as possible so the athletes could focus entirely on their matches.

The atmosphere at the competitions was truly electric. It was clear just how much effort and preparation the German team had put into every single point. We joined other German fans in the stands to cheer them on, and during the more crowded matches, the energy was especially intense – which only added to the thrill.

Because of our close work with the table tennis team, we naturally felt connected to the wider German delegation and their supporters. Every time a German athlete was in action, we cheered with even greater enthusiasm.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time as volunteers. It was an intense but incredibly enriching experience during which we learned a great deal and made unforgettable memories. We are proud to have played a small role in supporting the team – and are thrilled about the impressive performances and achievements of the German athletes.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, all eyes are on Bochum. There is great excitement and anticipation for the indoor finals of the 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball tournaments. The German teams are still in the knockout rounds and have high hopes for gold. To top it all off, the RUHR GAMES will close with a very special highlight: a concert by Querbeat on the North Meadow of the Jahrhunderthalle.