Whistle in one hand, baby in the other

She stands with full concentration on the court. A sharp whistle. A clear hand gesture. Foul. Andrada Monika Csender is a 3×3 basketball referee at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. But she’s not just any referee. Csender is also a mother and she has brought someone very special with her to the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum: her eight-month-old son Liam Asger.

On Sunday, 20 July she was officiating the men’s bronze-medal game between Czechia and host Germany. Before the match she stepped backstage with her newborn. “I believe he’s hungry,” she said. Between matches, little Liam Asger sits happily on the lap of either his father or mother. He grins at the spectators. 3×3 – he seems to love it. And the basketball-obsessed family is loving their time in Bochum too.

“It’s an incredible event and I am really proud and thankful to be here. And for me it’s a special honour because I had the chance to bring my family. FIBA 3×3 allows to bring the kids with us,” the referee shared.

Pioneering equality in sport

Especially for women this is a huge advantage. It enables them to return to their craft soon after giving birth.

This commitment to equality is also reflected in these FISU Games, where four women are part of the 3×3 basketball officiating team. Csender herself has been travelling the world as a referee again since mid-June.

Originally from Romania, she now lives in Denmark. She has always been passionate about basketball. That’s how she met her husband Rune Larsen a few years ago. Larsen took vacation time to join her at Rhine-Ruhr 2025. When mom is in action on the 3×3 court, he and little Liam Asger are watching with excitement. And sometimes Wanda, the Games mascot, stops by to bring a smile on Liam Asger´s face.

A baby on tour

Life in 3×3 hoops never stops. It’s played all over the globe, with tournaments taking place across continents. That requires a toddler who`s ready to travel. And luckily, Csender has such a baby.

“I am so lucky that I have an amazing kid. He is so friendly, smiling to everybody and he is not crying. That’s because he is like my husband, has the same personality,” she said with a smile.

Csender just finished officiating two tournaments in France. Now the FISU Games, then a two-day trip home, and after that, off to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the Women’s Series. 

“But I am so lucky that they are here and now I have my supporters.”

Her happiness off the court is clearly visible. But once she steps on the playing surface she is all business, fully focused on the game.

“It’s a challenge,” she said. But it’s a challenge she’s mastering. And when she glances off-court and sees Liam Asger grinning back to her, she knows exactly why she is here.

In Sunday’s 3×3 basketball gold-medal matches, Germany defeated the People’s Republic of China 21-15 in women’s action, while Lithuania downed the United States 21-16 on the men’s side.

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Lara Zugck, EU U-Media Ambassador, Germany

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.