A delegation from the European University Sports Association (EUSA) visited Tirana, Albania, from 9 to 11 November 2025, as part of the supervision visit for the conditionally attributed European Universities Combat Championships (EUC Combat 2026).

The visit aimed to review ongoing preparations, assess competition venues, and ensure cooperation with the key stakeholders ahead of the event.

EUSA representatives, including President Haris Pavletic, Treasurer Francis Cirianni, and Director Sports Events, Liam Smith, were welcomed by the organising committee (OC), led by  Besnik Veliu, President of AUSF, and Project Manager, Ervin Pepi, together with further representatives from AUSF and respective Albanian sports federations.

EUSA Technical Delegates of the four respective sports were also present to conduct inspection visits of the proposed sport venues: Romeo Desa (Kickboxing), Wieslaw Blach (Judo), Luka Pozgaj (Karate), and Nuri Shirali (Taekwondo).

Institutional meetings were held with Artan Hoxha, Rector of the University of Tirana; Endrit Hoxha, Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sports; and Anuela Ristani, Acting Mayor of Tirana Municipality to further assess the readiness of the event.

The day concluded with feedback sessions where EUSA and OC representatives reviewed findings, exchanged recommendations, and outlined next steps. The supervision commission will present its report to EUSA Executive Committee for further consideration.

The European Universities Combat Championships 2026 will bring together Europe’s best university athletes in Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, and Taekwondo, celebrating excellence and fair play.