Team Sport Selections Signal Strong Presence at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games

New Zealand is set to have a strong presence at this year’s Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in July, with a number of team sport applications accepted.

In addition to individual sports like Athletics, Swimming, and Rowing - disciplines that have long leveraged the World University Games as a stepping stone for high-performance competition pathways - New Zealand will also compete in Archery, Artistic Gymnastics, Diving, Fencing, Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Taekwondo. Adding to this lineup, team sport applications have been accepted by FISU in 3x3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Water Polo, and Table Tennis.

Scheduled to take place across multiple cities in the Rhine Ruhr region of Germany, the Games will bring together around 8,500 student-athletes and officials from over 150 countries. With high-calibre competition across 18 sports, the event promises to deliver a strong show of sporting excellence.

New Zealand’s Expanding Presence
The acceptance of New Zealand's applications in multiple team sports highlights the on-going commitment to fostering student-athlete development and international competition. This year’s participation could see New Zealand achieve a record number of athletes attending the FISU World University Summer Games, demonstrating the strength of tertiary sport across the country.

UTSNZ Executive Director Sarah Anderson expressed her excitement: “Having multiple New Zealand teams competing in these Games not only elevates the profile of tertiary sport in New Zealand but also reflects the commitment of NSOs in providing quality sporting experiences for developing athletes, and we are thrilled to see students rewarded with this opportunity to compete on the global stage as a result. Particularly also, after having not participated in the last WUG in Chengdu due to the on-going impacts of the Covid related postponements”.

The inclusion of larger team sports like Water Polo in particular significantly enhances the energy, camaraderie, and overall atmosphere of the FISU World University Games (WUG). These sports not only draw enthusiastic crowds but also foster a vibrant team culture among athletes across different sports.

“Reflecting on the 2017 WUG in Taipei, New Zealand’s Women’s Water Polo team left a lasting mark, bringing energy and unity to the wider Kiwi delegation. Their spirited performances and supportive presence created a ripple effect, boosting morale and fostering connections between NZ athletes from different sports. As Water Polo returns to the Games this year, the potential for these bonds to flourish again highlights the powerful role of team sports in elevating the WUG experience” explains Anderson.

Jan Shearer, CEO of New Zealand Water Polo, is equally excited about the selection of NZ teams to the World University Games draw. "Having Water Polo back at the WUG is an important milestone for our sport," says Shearer. "It offers a unique platform for our athletes to compete on the world stage, fostering not only individual growth but also strengthening the depth of the sport in New Zealand. The exposure and experience gained at these Games are invaluable in shaping the next generation of Water Polo players."

 A Global Showcase of Excellence and Inclusion

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games have already generated significant anticipation, with delegations from powerhouse nations such as the USA, Japan, China, and Germany confirming strong participation. For the first time, 3x3 wheelchair basketball will feature as an official discipline, expanding opportunities for inclusion and diversity within the Games.

Essen will serve as a key hub for competition, hosting nine of the 18 sports and acting as the central location for accreditation and the Main Press Centre. Mayor of Essen Thomas Kufen emphasised the significance of the event:

“The Olympic Games for students are more than just a sporting event; they’re an opportunity to showcase our city and region. We look forward to welcoming student-athletes and spectators to our world-class facilities.”

Looking Ahead to 2025
With the FISU Games Torch officially lit in Torino on 14 January, the countdown to the largest global multi-sport event for students is well underway. The torch relay will travel through Germany, symbolising the unity and spirit of the Games.

As New Zealand prepares to potentially send one of its largest teams to the FISU World University Games, the stage is set for a memorable showcase of Kiwi talent.

Stay tuned for updates on the New Zealand team’s preparations and journey to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games!