The 2025 Rhine-Ruhr World University Games kicked off in dramatic fashion on July 16 at the Schauinsland Reisen Arena in Duisburg, home to the 1989 Universiade curtain-raiser. Over 9,200 athletes from more than 150 countries and regions gathered for a three-hour spectacle celebrating culture, history and sport.
German Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Barbel Bas officially opened the 32nd FISU Summer Universiade, co-hosted by Berlin, Essen, Duisburg, Bochum, Muelheim an der Ruhr and Hagen. The region's industrial heritage set the stage – six towering LED chimneys echoed the Ruhr's mining past.
At 8:15 PM local time, the WDR Funkhaus Orchestra performed the overture Now and Together, a custom composition by Jan Loechel, weaving classical strings with modern beats. A video segment revisited the flag-handover from the closing ceremony in the Chinese city of Chengdu, underscoring the Games' global heritage. FISU President Leonz Eder encouraged athletes to embrace the competitions as unforgettable experiences and sources of lifelong wealth.
As athletes marched in with banners declaring no Games without U, the crowd's rhythmic claps powered a vibrant parade. Retired miners joined local school choirs to belt out the Steigerlied, connecting generations through song.
North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wust reinforced the event's spirit, calling the Games a celebration of respect, tolerance and friendship, and inviting all participants to serve as ambassadors of peace.
Then came the torch moment. Olympic long jump champion Heide Ecker-Rosendahl carried the flame into the arena, passing it to six athletes who lit the LED towers. As virtual flames danced to Loechel's anthem, real fire burst to life on each chimney, symbolizing the six host cities.
By 11 PM, the flames had transferred into six mining lamps, bridging the region's past with a bright future. Over the next 12 days, from July 16-27, athletes will compete in 18 sports, showcasing emerging talent and building global connections.
From the echoing mines to the roar of the crowd, Duisburg reminded the world that sport can forge unity – and that the next generation of leaders might be cheering from the stands or competing on the field.
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FISU World University Games opening ceremony held in Duisburg
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