The competitions are getting into full swing in Salerno, bringing memorable performances and a vibrant atmosphere across the venues as student-athletes battle for success in multiple sports: Beach Handball saw its inaugural matches today, while Basketball, Futsal, Padel, Table Tennis and Volleyball, among others, are in the thick of the competition.

Beach Handball holds a special place in this year's programme, with the competition taking place just a few kilometres from where the sport was born around 40 years ago. Developed in Italy during the 1990s as a summer variation of traditional handball, Beach Handball quickly gained popularity thanks to its fast pace, spectacular acrobatic moves, and entertaining style of play.

At the UNISA Campus in Baronissi, teams have already showcased this athleticism and energy that make the sport one of the most exciting events of the Games. This marks the sixth time Beach Handball has been included in EUSA events, including Championships and the European Universities Games.

In Beach Handball, the competitions are just getting underway, while in Table Tennis, we already have the first winners of this 8th edition of the European Universities Games! Today was a really busy day in the Table Tennis competition, as the team events reached their conclusion and the singles events started. Semifinals and finals of team events delivered high-quality matches, moments full of emotions and heartfelt celebrations as the first European Universities Champion was crowned.

In the men’s team competition, University of Zamojski Academy (POL) defeated University of Pecs (HUN) in a thrilling final to secure the gold medal. University of Porto (POR) and University of Vienna (AUT) finished in joint third place, each receiving bronze medals.

In the women’s team competition, University of Paris - UPCite (FRA) overcame University of Ljubljana (SLO) in the final to claim the title. University of Pecs (HUN) and University of Zagreb (CRO) completed the podium with bronze medals.

Medals were presented by EUSA President Haris Pavletic, Nino Gigineishvili, EUSA EC Member and Competition Chair for Table Tennis, Marcin Fidala, EUSA Technical Delegate for Table Tennis and Lorenzo Lentini, President of CUS Salerno. 

Volleyball has now reached the halfway point of the tournament. Each team has already played its three group-stage matches, showing high-level competition, dedication and perseverance. With the group stage now behind them, teams are preparing for the decisive knockout stage, moving into the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals as the race for the medals intensifies.

Also, the Futsal tournaments are entering a crucial phase, with women’s and men’s teams currently playing the group stage. As every goal becomes increasingly valuable, the coming matches will play a decisive role in determining which teams advance to the knockout rounds and continue their pursuit of the European Universities Games win. 

Another exciting day of Padel featured fast-paced exchanges, spectacular defensive recoveries and decisive attacking play, with every match carrying added importance as the tournament progressed.

Basketball action remained at a high level, with teams delivering intense and closely contested matches as the preliminary phase progressed. Every possession proved decisive, reflecting the determination of the participating universities to secure their place in the next round.

With several sports already producing thrilling encounters and outstanding individual performances, the first days of EUG 2026 have set the stage for exciting weeks of university sport, as athletes continue their quest for medals and unforgettable memories.

More information on the results of the ongoing matches in all sports, can be found results.eusa.eu