The Opening Ceremony of the European Universities Table Tennis Championship was held on 11th of September 2025 at the Lavender Hill Hotel, located within Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in Burdur.

The program included greetings from the Organising Committee, recognition of key contributors, and words of encouragement that underlined the values of fair play, respect, and determination central to Table Tennis. With an atmosphere full of energy and anticipation, the ceremony set the stage for days of exciting matches and memorable performances.

The event brought together distinguished guests, including Burdur Members of Parliament Prof. Dr. Adem Korkmaz and Mustafa Oguz, Rector Prof. Dr. Huseyin Dalgar, and Bar Association President Av. Meltem Ozdemir, along with many sports enthusiasts. Representing the Organising Committee, its Chairman, Dr. Mert Nalbant, warmly welcomed all participants.

Prof. Dr. Huseyin Dalgar, Rector of MAKU, emphasized the value the championship adds to Burdur, stating, “Hosting such a large organization is a source of pride for us. This championship elevates Burdur’s sports tourism potential to the highest level. I thank everyone involved and wish success to all teams.”

During the ceremony, President of the Turkish University Sports Federation Prof. Dr. Mutlu Turkmen, Burdur Member of Parliament Prof. Dr. Adem Korkmaz, and EUSA SCAC Chair Gyorgy Kovacs conveyed their best wishes to the athletes. Mr Kovacs thanked Rector Dalgar for MAKU’s contributions and presented a gift.

The championship was co-organised by EUSA and Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, with strong support from the Turkish University Sports Federation (TUSF). Both the university and the city boast a rich tradition of hosting university-level sporting competitions in disciplines such as football, basketball, and volleyball, reflecting their professionalism and dedication to excellence. The event also enjoys substantial support from the local municipality, civic institutions, and sports associations.

Scheduled from 11 to 16 September 2025 at the MAKU Lavender Hill Hotel, the championship features 17 men's and 15 women's teams representing 25 universities across 12 countries.

Gyorgy Kovacs, EUSA SCAC Chair, Miha Zvan, EUSA Sports Manager, and Davor Habljak, Results Management Support, are responsible for overseeing the event's smooth operation.

Anticipation is high as athletes from across Europe convene to compete at the pinnacle of university sport, exemplifying athletic prowess alongside the values of fair play, camaraderie, and cultural exchange. The venue was imbued with a lively atmosphere, characterized by music, dance, and vibrant delegations proudly representing their universities, fostering a genuinely international and celebratory environment. The parade of university delegations elicited enthusiastic applause as each group entered with evident pride and excitement.

The ceremony also featured an engaging performance by the MAKU Music Conservatory Folk Dance Department, which presented a dynamic repertoire of folk dances that highlighted the cultural heritage of the host city.

The organisers hope the Championship will serve not only as a competitive platform but also as a legacy for future university sport in the region, inspiring young athletes and setting a benchmark for hosting international events.

For more information, please see https://tabletennis2025.eusa.eu/