The Opening Ceremony of the European Universities Water Polo Championship 2025 took place on 7 July in Vukovar, at the symbolic Vukovar Water Tower – one of Croatia’s most iconic landmarks. 

The Ceremony was attended by more than 200 athletes, officials, citizens, and notable guests. Athletes, coaches, and guests gathered in a vibrant celebration of sport, unity, and university spirit. With colorful displays, traditional music, and a strong sense of camaraderie, the event set the tone for an exciting and competitive championship ahead.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, the participants were welcomed by Zeljko Sudaric, Dean of the University of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ruzicka” in Vukovar and president of the Organising Committee.

Also addressing the audience were Filip Susac, Deputy Mayor of Vukovar;  Marko Dikonic, Head of the Vukovar-Srijem County Prefect’s Office; David Vlajcic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, representing the Government of the Republic of Croatia; Nikola Mazar, Member of Parliament representing the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament; and Tomislav Paskvalin, representative of the President of the Republic, who opened the championship.

Speaking on behalf of the European University Sports Association, a warm welcome was delivered by Milan Zvan, EUSA Executive Committee member and SCAC Chair, as well as Haris Pavletic, first Vice-President of EUSA, and the President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, one of the organizers. 

The Championship takes place from 7 to 13 July 2025, with matches played at the Vukovar City Swimming Pool. It features seven university teams from France, Hungary, Turkiye, and Croatia.

The parade of teams was a highlight of the evening, with athletes marching in proudly behind their national and university flags. Each delegation entered the amphitheatre accompanied by carefully selected national music, while the crowd applauded and cheered.

The cultural programme included performances by a local folk ensemble and tamburica players and an emotional rendition of the Croatian national anthem performed by Ivona Krainovic, a young artist from Vukovar. The vibrant energy of DJ Andy Boy and Vukovar’s majorettes added to the festive atmosphere.

At the championship, EUSA is represented by Eszter Gulyas, Sports Coordinator, Tamas Kovacs, EUSA Technical Delegate, Mihaly Subasitz, substitute Technical Delegate, and Davor Habljak, EUSA Results Supervisor.

A special part of the ceremony was the reading of the oaths. On behalf of all athletes, the oath was read by Andras Turan (University of Ozyegin), while Lea Saftic, the only female referee, delivered the oath on behalf of all referees. Their words served as a reminder of the importance of respect for the rules, fair play, and the spirit of unity that university sport represents.

Prior to the Opening Ceremony, the General Technical Meeting took place, hosting the draw and serving as a sharing point for official rules and policies, match schedule, and provided detailed instructions regarding the training slots, match procedures, and safety measures to ensure a fair and smooth competition.

The event is organised by the University of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ruzicka” in Vukovar and the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (HASS), with the support of EUSA, the City of Vukovar, Vukovar-Srijem County, and numerous volunteers and partners. 

For more information, please see https://waterpolo2025.eusa.eu/