They began their march for victory
During the ceremonial parade, they walked arm in arm, but soon they will face each other. On Friday, August 22, the opening ceremony of the European Universities Combat Sports Championships took place. The ceremony was held at the Słuzewiec Racecourse in Warsaw.
They came to Warsaw from different corners of Europe, they speak different languages, but what unites them is that they are warriors at heart. An impressive parade of 1400 participants from 385 universities kicked off the 4.European University Championships in combat sports. The parade featured 32 universities, marching in alphabetical order. At that moment, everyone wanted to present themselves in the best possible light. At the end, the hosts, Poland, made their appearance. The audience listened to the National Anthem of Poland and the academic anthem - Gaudeamus Igitur. As is customary at major sporting events, athletes and referees took an oath. Speaking on behalf of the athletes was judoka Michał Jędrzejewski, gold medalist at the FISU World Summer University Games 2025.
There were also artistic performances, but above all, there was a lot of positive energy.
- This is my fourth time in Warsaw and i like this city. I feel good before the competition, but I know that the level will be higher because there are more competitors. However, it is a good opportunity to compete in a good atmosphere. Academic sport is such a good community, theres no hate, and people are more friendly. Even in combat sports - said with a smile Stephan Knyshov, from University of Ostrava, who start in kickboxing.
- My thoughts were already on the mat, because I'm fighting on Saturday, but the whole ceremony was well organized and ran smoothly. I thought maybe there would be horses running, but unfortunately not. This is the first time I've taken part in such a march representing countries and universities. It will definitely be a nice memory and experience, said judoka Agata Syska from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun.
The ceremony was attended by: Adam Roczek - president EUSA and professor Alojzy Z. Nowak - president of the University Sports Association of Poland. Representatives of the Local Government on the Masovian Voivodeship - Anna Brzezinska, and representatives of the Warsaw City Sports Office - Michał Kraszewski. On behalf of the Organising Committee, participants were welcomed by Rafał Jachimiak, who read a letter from Marek Konopczynski - president of University Sports Association of Warsaw. - Please feel at home in Warsaw, and remember the old academic motto “Primus inter pares” - “First among equals” – because each and every one of you is already a winner simply by taking part in the European Universities Combat Sports Championships - say.
- These championships are more than just a competition – they are a celebration of the unique spirit that drives student sport. You represent the best of your universities and countries, balancing the demands of academic study with a rigorous pursuit of sporting excellence. Your commitment and passion are a true inspiration to us all - say professor Alojzy. Z. Nowak, president of the University Sports Association of Poland.
Adam Roczek welcomed all participants and wished all the best who came to test their skills and abilities well ahead of the start of the competition. In words to the participants said the European Universities movement continues to grow, thanks to your trust and dedication. Whether you are hosting a Championship, supporting student-athletes, or engaging in EUSA educational and social responsibility projects, your contributions are shaping the future of university sport in Europe. While also thanking the Organising Committee for all their contributions.
The competition is organised by University Sports Association of Warsaw and the University Sports Association of Poland with the contribution of the event is The City of Warsaw, The Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the Regional Government of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship and the Słuzewiec Racecourse.
The European University Championship in combat sports are one of the biggest sporting events taking place this year in Warsaw. The competition sees student-athletes from across Europe compete in the disciplines of judo, taekwondo, karate and kickboxing.
EUSA is represented by Adam Roczek and Matjaz Pecownik, and the Technical Delegates: Wiesław Błach (judo), Luka Pozgaj (karate), Noor Mohamad Shirali (taekwondo), Romeo Desa (kickboxing). They will make sure that the event runs smoothly and without problems.
The organizers hope that the tournament will be an opportunity to promote academic sports and that future international events will be hosted in Warsaw. The competition is a battle for medals, but also an opportunity to discover new places, meet new people, and learn about new cultures. Everyone hopes that the competition will be conducted in the spirit of fair play.
The Championship will take place from 23 to 25 August in Warsaw.
More information: https://combatsports2025.eusa.eu/
Txt: Robert Zakrzewski
Foto: Marcin Klimczak