FISU has announced the cancellation of all its World University Championship events for 2020 due to the prevailing global situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following discussions between FISU and the respective Organising Committees of the 2020 World University Championships, the FISU Steering Committee has confirmed the cancellation of the last four 2020 World University Championships still scheduled for the remainder of the year, which include:

- Weightlifting from 20 to 24 October in Gangjin, Korea
- Wrestling from 27 October to 1 November in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Karate from 5 to 8 November in Brasilia, Brazil
- Badminton from 16 to 22 November in Bangkok, Thailand

FISU had been continually monitoring the situation, announcing the cancellation of its championships in stages in the hope that several could still be held later in the year. However, the organisation has now decided to chalk off all championships in the interest and safety of all participants, considering the continued effects of COVID-19 across the globe.



“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, FISU has done its best to protect all athletes and participants of its events,” FISU Secretary General and CEO Mr Eric Saintrond wrote in a communication to the FISU member federations. “This year has proven to be very challenging in many aspects of our daily life and has had many consequences in the world of sports.

“Although the cancellation of our World University Championships has not been an easy decision to make, recent status updates have shown us that we must continue to remain cautious and not take any risk, with regards to the organisation of events.

“Moreover, after careful analysis and discussion with the International Federations and Continental University Sports Federations, the FISU Steering Committee decided that, given the tight international sports calendar in 2021, no 2020 World University Championship will be postponed to next year.”

The FISU World University Games, Winter and Summer editions, as well as various other FISU events are scheduled to take place in 2021. The International University Sports Federation thanks all its member federations, Organising Committees and other stakeholders and partners for their continued support and contribution to the University Sports Movement.

For more information, please visit fisu.net.