The European Universities Combat Sports Championships Tirana 2026 were officially opened on 8 September 2026, with an Opening Ceremony held at Italia Square in Tirana, Albania, welcoming student-athletes, officials, university representatives and guests from across Europe.

The ceremony marked the official start of one of the major events on the European university sport calendar, bringing the university sport community together in the Albanian capital for several days of competition, friendship and cultural exchange.

The official programme included addresses from representatives of the Albanian institutions, the Albanian University Sports Federation (FSHSU) and the European University Sports Association (EUSA).

The Opening Ceremony saw the presence of EUSA President Haris Pavletic, Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik, representatives of the EUSA Office and EUSA Control Commission, Albanian authorities, Local Organising Committee members, volunteers, as well as invited guests and members of the general public.

Endri Hoxha, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Albania, welcomed the participants to Tirana and underlined the importance of Albania hosting another major international university sporting event.

In his address, he highlighted the ability of sport to bring young people from different countries and cultures together, while encouraging the athletes to compete with determination, respect and fair play. He also reminded participants that sporting success is not measured only by results, but also by the way athletes respect their opponents and represent the values of sport both in victory and defeat.

Representing the Albanian University Sports Federation, Ida Zavalani, FSHSU representative and student at the University of Tirana, welcomed participants on behalf of the Federation.

Zavalani highlighted the vision of FSHSU President Besnik Veliu, according to which university sport belongs first and foremost to students, stressing the importance of giving young people an active voice and role in major international sporting events. She also reflected on the wider meaning of university sport, noting that while medals and results are an important part of the Championships, the friendships and experiences created through sport often remain long after the competition has ended.

On behalf of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), participants were welcomed by EUSA Vice-President and SCAC Chair Aitor Canibe Sánchez, who wished all athletes and teams success in the upcoming competitions and thanked the Organising Committee and contributing institutions for their commitment to the preparation of the Championships.

The ceremony also featured the traditional official oaths. Athlete Fjoralba Marku delivered the athletes’ oath on behalf of all participating student-athletes, committing to compete according to the principles of fair play, respect and sportsmanship.
The referees’ oath was delivered by Micheal James Hogan, representing the competition officials and reaffirming their commitment to fairness, integrity and respect for the rules.

Following the official addresses and oaths, the European Universities Combat Sports Championships Tirana 2026 were formally declared open by EUSA President Haris Pavletic, Vice-President and SCAC Chair Aitor Canibe Sanchez and Endri Hoxha, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Albania.

The Championships bring together more than 1,600 student-athletes, representing more than 400 universities from 39 countries, coaches and university representatives in Tirana between 8 and 16 September, with competitions in judo, karate, kickboxing and taekwondo.

The Opening Ceremony created a vibrant international atmosphere at Italia Square, with university delegations proudly representing their institutions and countries, accompanied by music, performances and celebrations.

Over the coming days, athletes from across Europe will compete for European university titles while promoting the values of fair play, friendship, respect and cultural exchange that lie at the heart of university sport.

The European Universities Combat Sports Championships 2026 continue in Tirana until 17 September 2026.

For more information, results and highlights from the EUC Combat Sports 2026, please see: combatsports2026.eusa.eu