The Opening Ceremony of the European Universities Futsal Championship Zagreb 2025 was held on July 18th at the iconic Dražen Petrović Sports Hall, marking the official start of this exciting event in the heart of Croatia’s capital.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests and institutional representatives, including: Tomislav Paškvalin, envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia; Josip Pavić, envoy of the Prime Minister and State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport; Maksimilijan Šimrak, envoy of the President of the Croatian Parliament; Branko Ptiček, envoy of the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth; Luka Juroš, representative of the City of Zagreb; Jasenka Ostojić, Vice-Rector of the University of Zagreb; Haris Pavletić, First Vice-President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (HASS); Vjekoslav Šafranić, President of the Zagreb Sports Association; Davor Pavlović, President of the Organising Committee and President of the Zagreb Academic Sports Federation; Representatives from the Faculty of Kinesiology, UEFA, Croatian Football Federation, Student Centre, and Student Union of the University of Zagreb.

The ceremony featured inspiring messages from several key speakers, reminding the attendees that the event is more than a tournament, but a chance to connect, grow, and share unforgettable experiences.
The long tradition of excellence at the University of Zagreb has been emphasised, considering the institution being crowned as Europe’s most successful in university sport for multiple years.

Warm welcomes have been addressed to the participants, inviting them to explore Zagreb while enjoying top-level competition, and highlighting national support for academic sport, including the invitation for the future EUG Split 2028.
After thanking the city of Zagreb, the Organising Committee and EUSA for bringing this event to life, an important message was delivered to conclude the speeches and officially open the Championship: Futsal is a sport of youth, energy, and speed, and Zagreb is its proud home right now.

The atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory, with lively delegations, university flags waving, and the venue alive with anticipation. The parade of universities received enthusiastic cheers as each team made its entrance.

An artistic performance by Residence Dance Studio, accompanied by the drumming group Percussion, thrilled the audience with a dynamic mix of urban dance, jazz, breakdance, and acrobatics, showcasing the creativity and spirit of the host city.

The Championship is jointly organised by the Zagreb Academic Sports Federation and EUSA, with strong support from the University of Zagreb, the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the City of Zagreb, and the Croatian Football Federation.

Zagreb and its university boast a long tradition of excellence in hosting university sports. This journey began with the 1998 FISU World University Rowing Championship, and continued with: European Universities Rowing Championship 2008, EUC Futsal 2010, European Universities Games 2016, EUCs in Beach Sports & Combat Sports 2019, EUC Combat Sports 2023, and EUC Rowing 2024.
This enduring legacy ensures a high standard of organisation, professionalism, and hospitality, all rooted in strong institutional and local support.

The European Universities Futsal Championship Zagreb 2025 runs from July 17th to 25th, featuring 17 men’s and 15 women’s teams from 16 different countries across Europe.

EUSA is represented by its First Vice-President, Haris Pavletić, and Technical Delegate Tomasz Aftański, alongside Assistant Technical Delegate Tihana Nemčić Bojić — all working to ensure a smooth and fair competition, together with Sports Coordinator Eszter Gulyas and Head of Media & Communications Salvatore Sisca from the EUSA Office.

The competition promises to be fierce, but also a celebration of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and European university spirit.
The Opening Ceremony set the tone for what is expected to be an exciting, inspiring, and memorable week of Futsal and international friendship.

For more information, visit the official website of the event: futsal2025.eusa.eu