The 2017 European Universities Championships in Judo, Karate and Taekwondo which started on July 25 and were hosted in Coimbra, Portugal, concluded on July 28.

For the first time, the combat sports and martial arts were organized jointly, which was proven to be very successful and attractive for the spectators, as well as for the participants.



The event was held in three venues inside the University Stadium of Coimbra with attractive fights and forms performed over the course of three days of competitions, hosting over 700 participants, representing over 200 universities from 30 countries.

The competitions in judo, karate and taekwondo witnessed quality competitors from all over Europe, some also with high world ranking; all happy to take part in the European Universities Championships.



Beside individual awards, the awards for the most successful Universities were given to University of Cologne (GER) in Judo, Istanbul Aydin University (TUR) in Karate and University of Minho (POR) in Taekwondo.



We congratulate again all the winners in individual and team events, and special congratulations go to the most successful universities in overall rankings.



The closing ceremony was held in the karate sports hall after the final matches, where the participants enjoyed the local music and the video of best performances during the event.



The participants were greeted by Mr Mario Santos, Secretary General of the Organising Committee, who emphasized the importance of the strong relationship with Host City Partners and the great job performed by the volunteers who were the crucial part of the successful delivery of the event.



The European University Sports Association (EUSA) was presented by three SCAC Chairs; EUSA Sports Manager Mr Besim Aliti for Judo; Executive Committee Members Mr Francis Cirianni for Karate and Mr Dmitry Kiselev for Taekwondo. EUSA Technical delegates were Mr Branislav Crnogorac, assisted by Ms Arijana Jaha for Judo; Technical Delegate Mr Davor Cipek for Karate; and Technical Delegate Mr Noor Shirali, assisted by Mrs Johanna Bliem for Taekwondo. The team is additionally supported by EUSA projects assistant Mr Liam Smith.



Mr Besim Aliti thanked the local organisers and the Portuguese University Sports Federation (FADU) for the great support, participants for the fair play & sportsmanship and congratulated the winners.



Mr Francis Cirianni thanked the all involved parties and emphasized the importance of bringing the athletes from all around the Europe in Coimbra, which is a great test event and a promotion for the European Universities Games in 2018.



All participants were also invited to the Games next year in Coimbra, which will feature 13 sports, among which also Judo, as well as the European Universities Championships in Judo, Karate and Taekwondo in 2019 in Zagreb, Croatia - whose representatives also received the EUSA flag.

For more information and results, please visit www.coimbra2017.eusa.eu.