The European Universities Combat Sports Championships concluded in Warsaw on Monday, August 25th. The closing ceremony took place at the Ursynow Arena.

After months of preparation, Warsaw became the stage for three intense days of competition across four sports venues. Four combat sports disciplines – judo, kickboxing, taekwondo, and karate – brought together passion, skill, and determination at the European Universities Combat Sports Championship.

More than 1,300 participants representing 32 countries showcased their talent and sportsmanship, turning the event into a true celebration of university sport. By the closing day, one thing was clear: beyond medals and results, the participants would carry home lasting friendships, invaluable experiences, and unforgettable memories of Warsaw.

Before saying their goodbyes, athletes, officials, and guests came together one last time at Arena Ursynow for a grand celebration of combat sports. The closing event opened with a colourful parade, as volunteers proudly carried the flags of all participating countries, symbolising the unity and diversity of the championship.

Volunteers played a vital role throughout the competition, many of them coming from different nations, eager to contribute, learn, and immerse themselves in a new culture. Beyond supporting the event, their experience fostered new friendships, personal growth, and skills that will surely benefit them in the future. For their valuable contribution, they have received a token of appreciation from both EUSA and the Organising Committee. 

Closing the event with their speeches were Adam Roczek, President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), and Rafal Jachimiak, Vice-President of the University Sports Association in Warsaw. Also in attendance was Ireneusz Ras, Secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, who highlighted the importance of fair play as a cornerstone of sport. Yet, while dignitaries and organisers played a key role, the spotlight ultimately belonged to the athletes – the true heart of the championship. Words of gratitude were also extended to the sports federations that ensured the smooth running of the competitions, as well as to the valued partners and sponsors whose support made the event possible.

In his address, EUSA President Adam Roczek congratulated all participants and volunteers, recalling Nelson Mandela’s famous words about the power of sport to inspire and bring people together. He also praised the organisers for their dedication to making the championship a success by presenting them with a token of appreciation on behalf of EUSA.

The Organising Committee presented tokens of appreciation to EUSA representatives, Technical Delegates, and the various supporting organisations in recognition of their contributions.

No closing ceremony would be complete without the academic anthem Gaudeamus Igitur, which once again filled the arena. Another highlight of the evening was the symbolic handover of the EUSA flag to Ervin Pepi, Project Director of the Albanian Federation of University Sport. Tirana is set to host the championship in 2026, and in his address, Pepi expressed his gratitude to the Warsaw organisers for their guidance and support.

Guests at the Closing Ceremony were also treated to a musical performance, which brought the event to a close on a joyful, uplifting, and friendly note.

The European Universities Combat Sports Championship 2025 in Warsaw concluded with an impressive medal table that reflected both individual and national achievements.

Among the universities, Gazi University (TUR) emerged as the top performer, collecting 5 gold and 2 silver medals. They were closely followed by Anadolu University (TUR) with 4 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze, while Istanbul Aydin University (TUR) and Ondokuz Mayis University (TUR) also shone with 4 golds and 2 bronzes each.

On this medal standing table, the host nation was proudly represented by the Jozef Piłsudski Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw, which secured 3 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal. Other notable performances came from Istanbul Kent University (TUR) with a total of 12 medals, Georgian University (GEO) with 9, the University Politehnica of Bucharest (ROU) with 6, the University of Ostrava (CZE) with 4, and the University of Zagreb (CRO) with 9.

The championship was not only a celebration of sporting excellence, but also a remarkable display of fair play and friendship, bringing together people from all across Europe. As one competitor reflected, the discipline and character learned through sport prove valuable far beyond the arena, even in academic life.

For more information, please see combatsports2025.eusa.eu and for official results results.eusa.eu