With less than 100 days remaining, the anticipation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games Summer is rapidly growing.

Taking place from 16 to 27 July, the event will bring together thousands of student-athletes from across the globe to compete in 18 sports across the cities of Berlin, Bochum, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Essen, and Mulheim an der Ruhr.

The compulsory programme comprises 15 sports: archery, artistic gymnastics, athletics, badminton, basketball, diving, fencing, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and water polo. The programme is completed by the optional sports of 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, and rowing. 

Recently, the Rhine-Ruhr region welcomed over 50 delegations from around the globe for the Spring Heads of Delegation meeting, a key milestone in the lead-up to the FISU World University Games taking place this July. As the countdown entered its final 100 days, this gathering provided a vital platform for final preparations, logistical coordination, and strengthening international collaboration.

Hosted in Dusseldorf, with several events held across the region, the four-day programme combined detailed plenary presentations, interactive sessions, and dynamic venue visits. Additional delegations, including those from countries such as Barbados, Estonia, and Turkmenistan, followed proceedings online, ensuring worldwide participation.

Participants experienced not only the operational side of the Games but also the cultural and community atmosphere that the Rhine-Ruhr region is preparing to offer this summer. Venue tours and evening receptions allowed visiting teams to become familiar with the surroundings and to engage in informal exchanges with organisers and fellow delegates.

The event coincided with a series of symbolic and celebratory milestones. Just days before the meeting, the official team sport draw was held on 7 April at the iconic Luftschiffhangar in Mulheim an der Ruhr. This marked an energetic and festive unofficial launch of the Games, along with the arrival of the FISU flame in the region and the "100 Days to Go" celebration.

The draw event, filled with enthusiasm and international spirit, further elevated excitement among the delegations attending the Heads of Delegation meeting. The shared sense of anticipation was evident as participants looked ahead to July’s opening ceremony with renewed energy and commitment.

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Organising Committee highlighted the importance of this meeting in ensuring a smooth and successful delivery of the Games. The committee also expressed satisfaction with the engagement and feedback received throughout the week and is now looking ahead with anticipation to welcoming athletes, officials, and fans from around the world.

Beyond preparation, the meeting marked an opportunity for personal connection. Many attendees were meeting in person for the first time after months of virtual planning, bringing a human touch to the logistical and technical details.

The FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and international unity — and this spring meeting has laid a strong foundation for the final sprint toward July’s opening ceremony.

For more information, please see https://rhineruhr2025.com/