World University Games Commence in Duisburg

The World University Games began officially on Thursday in Duisburg, Germany, with a dynamic opening ceremony, heralding the start of a major international sporting event for university competitors.

Among the participants were athletes from Lahore College for Women University, representing Pakistan.

The Pakistani group was seen marching in traditional garments, reflecting their nation’s cultural heritage. Ummat-ur-Rahman, a national athlete and student at Lahore College for Women University, carried the Pakistani flag during the ceremony. She is also a national gold medalist recognized for athletic accomplishments.

This year, Pakistan has sent 27 athletes to participate in six different sports: track and field, swimming, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, and archery. Their presence demonstrates the expanding role of Pakistani student-athletes in global university sports.

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are set to host more than 9,200 participants representing over 150 countries, competing across six German cities from July 16 to July 27. The International University Sports Federation (FISU) is organizing the event, which features 234 medal opportunities across 18 sports.

The Games will feature high-level competition over two weeks, beginning with volleyball in Berlin on July 16 and ending with rowing and athletics in Duisburg on July 27. The host country, Germany, is being represented by its largest delegation ever, with 305 athletes and 177 officials taking part.