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World University Sports Games 2025: Bochum and Co. in a state of emergency!
The FISU World University Games 2025 will take place from July 16th to 27th in Bochum and other cities, with 8,500 athletes from over 150 countries.
World University Sports Games 2025: Bochum and Co. in a state of emergency!
The anticipation of that World University Games (WUG), which will take place in a few months, is growing steadily. From July 16 to 27, 2025, the games will be held in six cities in the Rhine-Ruhr region: Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, Hagen, Mülheim and Berlin. This event is not only expected by sports enthusiasts, but is also perceived as a significant cultural event.
The games offer students from more than 150 countries the opportunity to compete against each other in 18 different sports. In total, over 8,500 athletes and officials are expected, making the WUG one of the largest multi-sport events of 2025, second only to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The focus is on a wide range of disciplines, including innovative sports such as 3×3 wheelchair basketball, which are part of the program for the first time.
Torch and symbolism
A central symbol of the WUG is the torch, which was lit during the winter version of the WUG in Turin at the end of January 2023. This torch will be brought to the event locations one by one and will reach the Ruhr University campus on May 8, 2025. It represents both tradition and change and tells the story of the Rhine-Ruhr region, which was transformed from industry to a post-industrial cultural landscape. The design of the torch integrates characteristic elements of the region and symbolizes its past and development.
The website for the World University Games offers detailed information and an FAQ that answers questions about participation for students and employees of the Ruhr University. Committed students have the opportunity to become active not only as volunteers, but also in paid positions or internships. Language-savvy participants can accompany international delegations as attachés.
Educational and cultural program
In addition to the sporting competitions, a diverse educational program is offered that includes activities for all age groups. The FISU World Conference will also take place from July 17th to 19th, 2025 in the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum. Music star Ayliva will enrich the opening ceremony on July 16, 2025 with her performance, underlining the cultural significance of the event.
The Rhine-Ruhr region is valued not only for its dense university landscape, but also for the high number of sports clubs. North Rhine-Westphalia is home to around 18,000 sports clubs in which five million people are active. This region is also known for first-class sports facilities that offer athletes optimal training conditions.
Historical aspects
The upcoming WUG will be the first event in Germany since 1989 and shows the long-term importance of university sport in the region. At a ceremonial handover of the “FISU Attribution Plaque” The challenge cup was rowed from Bonn to Cologne, symbolizing intercultural exchange and sporting community.
Preparations are in full swing. The head of UniSport Cologne, Eckhard Rohde, emphasizes the importance of the event for the students, while Vice Rector Dr. Bettina Rockenbach supports the compatibility of studying and sport. This commitment demonstrates not only the anticipation of WUG 2025, but also the deep-rooted culture of sport and education in this dynamic region.