On Friday, August 22, the European Universities Combat Sports Championships officially opened with a ceremony at Warsaw’s Sluzewiec Racecourse.

Participants, athletes, and officials arrived in Warsaw from all corners of Europe, speaking diverse languages, yet united by a single spirit: the spirit of combat athletes, defined by discipline, resilience, and respect for their opponents.

An impressive parade of over 1,400 participants representing 385 universities marked the opening of the European Universities Combat Sports Championships 2025. Delegations from 32 countries marched in alphabetical order, each eager to present themselves in the best possible light. 

The European Universities Combat Championships will take place from 23 to 25 August in Warsaw, including competitions in four sports: Judo, Kickboxing, Karate, and Taekwondo, held in 4 different venues. 

The Opening Ceremony was attended by Adam Roczek, President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, President of the University Sports Association of Poland (AZS), as well as representatives from the Masovian Voivodeship local government, including Anna Brzezinska, Michal Kraszewski from the Warsaw City Sports Office and Marian Dymalski, FISU Vice-President. All of them addressed the participants, offering words of encouragement, highlighting the importance of the Championships, and wishing the athletes success.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, Rafal Jachimiak also welcomed the participants and read a letter from Marek Konopczynski, President of the University Sports Association of Warsaw.

The competition is organised by the University Sports Association of Warsaw and the University Sports Association of Poland, with the support of the City of Warsaw, the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the Regional Government of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, and the Sluzewiec Racecourse.

The European Universities Combat Sports Championships rank among the largest sporting events in Warsaw this year, bringing together student-athletes from across Europe to compete in Judo, Taekwondo, Karate, and Kickboxing.

Combat sports are disciplines that test strength, skill, strategy, and mental resilience, emphasizing not only athletic excellence but also respect, discipline, and fair play. These championships showcase the best of European university athletes, highlighting both individual talent and the spirit of sportsmanship.

EUSA is represented by Adam Roczek, EUSA President, Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General, two SCAC Chairs, Hovhannes Gabrielyan, and Mehmet Gunay, and the Technical Delegates: Wieslaw Blach (Judo), Luka Pozgaj (Karate), Noor Mohamad Shirali (Taekwondo), Romeo Desa (Kickboxing).

The event is further supported by other EUSA representatives working across various areas, ensuring that the Championships run smoothly and without any issues. Approximately 110 dedicated volunteers are contributing to this event, forming a strong and reliable support network that ensures smooth operations and enhances the overall experience for participants.

Participants, officials, and guests had the chance to enjoy a social and musical performance, featuring the Engineers Band, the entertainment Orchestra of Warsaw University of Technology, and a choir performance of the EUSA anthem - Gaudeamus Igitur.

The organisers expressed their hope that the tournament would serve as a platform to promote university sports and pave the way for future international events in Warsaw. While the competition is a pursuit of medals, it is equally an opportunity to explore new places, build friendships, and experience diverse cultures. Above all, it is the shared wish that the championships take place in the true spirit of fair play. 

Prior to the Opening Ceremony and the official start of the Championships, four General Technical Meetings for the respective sports were held. These gatherings provided a platform to share essential technical information, finalise competition setups, and address organisational details. They also served as an important opportunity for team officials and delegates to exchange information, clarify regulations, and ensure that all aspects of the competition would run smoothly.

For more information, please see https://combatsports2025.eusa.eu/