German Reception

In his welcoming speech, Julian Lasinger wished the athletes successful competitions and encouraged them to get to know the very hospitable, open and culturally diverse city of Chengdu. "We are very proud to host you, our top student athletes, as ambassadors of Germany, the country that is open-minded and open to the world."

State Secretary Özdemir continued. Sport, he said, has the power to create mutual understanding, tolerance and friendship across national and religious boundaries. "This power is visible at the FISU World University Games, which are among the highlights of international competitive sport."

The German University Sports Federation (adh) is strongly committed to achieving an optimal balance between studies and top-level sport. The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) supports the promotion of dual careers, the basic idea of which is expressed in the FISU slogan "Today's Stars - Tomorrow's Leaders".

"The Federal Government, the Federal Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs and I are already looking forward to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. Germany will present itself as an inspiring, warm-hearted and outstanding host country for large-scale sporting events. I am sure that the event will enable exciting competitions and unforgettable get-togethers," Özdemir looked forward to the upcoming FISU World University Summer Games.

The German athletes also warmly welcomed FISU Acting President Leonz Eder. Eder spoke to the guests at the reception: "The adh does very valuable work for national and international university sport. I am sure that the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games will be an outstanding event. FISU is looking forward to being a guest in Germany in two years' time."

Jörg Förster, head of the German delegation, added: "It is an honour and a great pleasure for us to welcome athletes and officials from over 170 nations to the Rhine-Ruhr region. Now I wish you, dear athletes, that you can reach your full performance potential here in Chengdu and use the experiences for your sporting and personal development."

Track and field athlete Blessing Enatoh and water polo player Lukas Küppers (both from TU Berlin) were enthusiastic about the Games in Chengdu. Blessing Enatoh was delighted to share: "Here at the FISU Games, a childhood dream comes true. I'm enjoying every moment and I'm really looking forward to my competition on Friday." Lukas Küppers added: "The atmosphere and the mutual support in the German team are fantastic. The dream of us water polo players is to reach the final. We're doing our best as athletes and having a great time in Chengdu outside the competition as well."

The pleasant evening ended with lively conversations and a magnificent view of the Chengdu skyline.