India Prepares for Largest-Ever FISU World University Games in Germany

Indian Universities Gear Up for Rhine-Ruhr 2025 with Record Participation

India is set to send approximately 300 student-athletes from over 60 universities to represent the nation at the FISU World University Games 2025, scheduled to take place in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from 16 to 27 July. Often referred to as the “Olympics for university athletes,” the Games are held biennially for students aged 17 to 25, and the upcoming edition is expected to be the largest in history, featuring over 9,200 athletes from more than 150 countries.

India’s most successful outing at the Games occurred in Chengdu in 2023, where the country achieved seventh place overall, securing 26 medals, including 11 gold, 5 silver, and 10 bronze. Notably, shooting contributed 14 medals, with standout performances from Olympians Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, who earned four medals, and Manu Bhaker, who claimed two golds in pistol events. Other podium finishes came from Jyothi Yarraji, Amlan Borgohain, and Priyanka Goswami in athletics.

India has participated in the Games since their inception in Turin in 1959. The 2025 edition, marking the 32nd Summer Universiade, will span 18 sports across 23 venues in six German cities: Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Hagen, and Berlin. The Opening Ceremony will be held on 16 July at Ruhrstadion in Bochum, while the Closing Ceremony is scheduled for 27 July in Duisburg.

The sports programme includes archery, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, athletics, badminton, basketball, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, diving, fencing, judo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, water polo, and rowing. Organisers have confirmed that live streaming will be available in India via Olympics.com, although there will be no television broadcast on domestic channels. India’s participation in the 2025 Games reflects the growing prominence of university-level sport and the nation’s commitment to nurturing young athletic talent on the global stage.

Editor’s Note:

India’s participation in the FISU World University Games 2025 is an important step in the country’s growing sports journey. With around 300 student-athletes competing in 18 sports, the event gives young talent a global stage to show their skills, gain experience, and strengthen India’s presence in university sports. India’s strong performance in Chengdu 2023, especially in shooting and athletics, shows the quality of young athletes and the success of grassroots sports programmes. As the Rhine-Ruhr edition is expected to be the biggest ever, India’s involvement highlights both confidence and readiness to perform at a high level. Although the Games won’t be shown on Indian television, fans can still watch the events live online, making it possible to cheer for and support these rising stars.

Skoobuzz believes that India’s participation in the FISU World University Games 2025 reflects a growing commitment to nurturing young sporting talent at the global level. It’s a promising sign that university athletes are gaining the exposure and platforms they need to shine internationally.