Warsaw hosted the annual University Sports Association of Poland (AZS) Gala, honoring the most outstanding figures and achievements in Polish university sports in 2025.

The gala, which concluded a two-day Academic Sports Congress, was traditionally organized by AZS and brought together athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country.

Medalists from this year’s Winter and Summer Universiades, the European Universities Championships, as well as the top-performing universities in the Polish Academic Championships, were recognized for their exceptional accomplishments. 

AZS President Prof. Alojzy Nowak highlighted the gala’s importance, saying it celebrates both sporting success and the values of passion, perseverance, and resilience. “Events like this allow the community to meet, celebrate achievements, and show the strength of AZS,” he noted.

Michal Jedrzejewski, a judo gold medalist, was named Athlete of the Year. After suffering a serious injury at the Chengdu Universiade two years ago, he made a remarkable comeback to claim gold in Germany. Track and field athlete Maksymilian Szwed, who recently received the prestigious “Golden Spikes” award, also celebrated his Universiade success.

Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General, delivered a speech during the Gala and presented several awards, together with Adam Roczek, EUSA Honorary President, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in academic sports. In addition, the Gala was also attended by EUSA Director of Projects and Policy, Andrej Pisl. 

Part of the awards at the Gala also honored team and event achievements, including the European Universities Rowing Championships in Bydgoszcz, European Universities Combat Championships in Warsaw. The awards were awarded by Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General. 

While the Table Tennis team of Rzeszow University of Technology got the award as Team of the Year,  a special place at the gala was reserved for the 10th anniversary of the AZS Integrative Polish Championships, recognizing key figures organizing competitions for athletes with disabilities.

Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdansk University of Technology, emphasized the growing professionalism of student athletes, noting that the university’s sixth consecutive overall victory reflects the strength and development of its sports community.

The gala concluded the two-day Academic Sports Congress, co-financed by the National Freedom Institute and supported by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and PGE Polish Energy Group.

Congratulations are extended to the organizers of this event and all the award winners, with best wishes for continued success for AZS in the coming years.

For more information, please see https://azs.pl/