International University Sports Federation (FISU) together with the local organising committee and the Swiss University Sport announced today that the next Winter World University Games, scheduled for January 2021, will not be held in the foreseen period. A potential later date will be discussed over the next two months in consultation with all involved parties, including the international winter sports federations.

“After several meetings held with the State authorities of Switzerland and the different Cantons involved in hosting Lucerne 2021, we have unanimously agreed that the 30th Winter Universiade cannot be held in January 2021,” said Mr Eric Saintrond, FISU Secretary General. “We are sure this is the right decision in order to ensure the high-level standard of the event and the safety of all participants.”



“After more than four years of preparation it is a painful decision, but in the end an easy one. The health of all the participants has always been the top priority in our evaluations,” said Mr Guido Graf, President of the Organising Committee and Cantonal Councillor of Lucerne.

The Winter Universiade, also known as the FISU World University Games, is the largest winter multisport event after the Winter Olympic Games. The 2021 edition of this unique event was scheduled to take place in Central Switzerland and Lenzerheide from 21 to 31 January 2021.

For more information, please see www.fisu.net and www.winteruniversiade2021.ch.