European Universities Games begin in Hungary

From 12 to 24 July, the sixth European Universities Games (EUG) 2024 take place in the Hungarian cities of Debrecen and Miskolc. A total of 59 German universities will participate in 14 of the 18 sports offered, sending a contingent of around 400 athletes, making it one of the largest teams at the EUSA Games.

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For Hungary, which hosted the Summer Universiade in 1965, the EUSA Games represent the largest university sports event in nearly 60 years. There is great anticipation as Debrecen and Miskolc prepare to welcome approximately 4,800 athletes.

In Debrecen, competitions will be held in futsal, football, 3x3 basketball, handball, badminton, table tennis, and beach handball. Meanwhile, in Miskolc, events will include taekwondo, beach volleyball, tennis, basketball, karate, judo, and volleyball.

Nearly 400 athletes from 59 German universities

At the EUSA Games, a significant emphasis is traditionally placed on team sports, in which German universities and competitive associations are well-represented. The qualification of university teams and individual participants was determined through the German University Championships for each respective sport.

In combat sports, a substantial number of German athletes are registered for the EUSA Games. The largest contingent comes from judo, with 43 athletes from 20 different universities. Taekwondo follows closely with 35 athletes from 26 universities. Additionally, 28 karate athletes from 17 universities complete the roster of German participants.

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"The EUSA Games are always a very special event for us, and everyone looks forward to them well in advance. Sport unites people, and it's easy to make connections and friendships with students from other countries," said team official Maike Brönhorst.

"Our goal is to bring at least five medals back to Germany from Hungary. Additionally, I hope our participants have many wonderful international experiences," said Sebastian Lehmann, the head of taekwondo for the German University Sports Federation (adh), looking ahead to the upcoming two weeks.

More information about the German team can be found on the website of the German University Sports Federation (adh).

International competitions as promotion for Rhine-Ruhr 2025

Jörg Förster, Chair of the adh Board, represents the European University Sports Association (EUSA) during the event in his role as EUSA Vice President and Competition Chair for Volleyball.

"The record number of registrations is sensational and highlights the great interest of German students and universities in the EUG. I am looking forward to two weeks of fair competitions, sports highlights, and cultural exchange. With an eye on the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany, I hope that we can inspire many European teams here in Hungary for the upcoming major event," said Head of Delegation Christoph Edeler.

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Members of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games organising committee are in Debrecen and Miskolc to provide information about the vibrant and sustainable concept of the FISU Games, as well as the diverse volunteer programme. Interested individuals can register for the volunteer programme until the end of the year.