The European Universities Games 2026 are officially in motion as the competitions got underway in Salerno.

While the women athletes in Futsal stepped onto the courts and the general competition for Table Tennis began its journey, representatives of the upcoming Padel and Basketball competitions gathered for their General Technical Meetings (GTMs), completing the final preparations before the start of play.

The opening day brought excitement across the venues as student-athletes from universities across Europe proudly represented their institutions, marking the beginning of two weeks of high-level university sport, international friendship and unforgettable experiences.

Futsal was among the first sports to kick off, with both men's and women's teams eager to make a strong start to their tournaments. Today, the spotlight was given to the matches of the women's competition. From the opening whistle, the matches showcased the intensity, technical quality and competitive spirit that have become synonymous with the European Universities Games. Players, coaches and supporters created an energetic atmosphere, setting the tone for the days ahead.

At the same time, the Table Tennis competition officially began, with athletes demonstrating remarkable speed, precision and concentration in the opening rounds. Every point counted as participants fought for an early advantage, promising an exciting competition throughout the week.

The second day of Volleyball competition brought more exciting matches, filling the venues around the Baronissi campus with energy, sporting spirit and celebration.

While the first matches were taking place, attention also turned to the General Technical Meetings for Padel and Basketball. Representatives of participating universities, together with EUSA officials and members of the Local Organising Committee, gathered to review competition regulations, confirm technical details and conduct the official draws. These meetings ensure that all participating teams and athletes are fully prepared before entering competition, while also providing an opportunity to address final organisational matters.

The sporting programme continued at full pace on the second competition day, with Volleyball, Futsal, and Table Tennis matches taking place throughout the day. As teams battled for important results, the venues remained alive with excitement, sporting excellence and the unique spirit of university sport.

With the first victories celebrated, new friendships already being formed, and more sports set to begin in the coming days, the European Universities Games Salerno 2026 have officially come to life.

The Observer Programme of EUG 2026 also started today, serving as a platform where specialised series of events designed to provide a wider insight into key information and processes behind organising the European Universities Games for future hosts, candidate cities, and university sports stakeholders, take place. The Observer Programme brought together representatives of the Organising Committees of the upcoming European Universities Games 2028 in Split, Croatia, and European Universities Games 2030 in Granada, Spain, as well as representatives of the organisers of the first European Universities Winter Games in Erzurum, Turkiye, and delegates from Aveiro, a potential future host of the European Universities Games.

The Opening Ceremony, taking place today, will officially launch the European Universities Games 2026, marking the beginning of Europe's largest university sporting event.

The Games are on, and the journey has only just begun.