Every year since 2016, the 20 September is the International Day of University Sport proclaimed by UNESCO. Here is a sample of how several National University Sport Federations from around the world celebrated sport, education and culture.
“Let’s IDUS!”, is the hashtag, “Happy International Day of University Sport” is the message, On 20 September, the whole university sports world makes sure to celebrate the International Day of University Sport in unison from all over the world.
The International University Sports Federation’s Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund sent a video message encouraging everyone to have fun.
And the FISU Student Committee organised a very lively and interesting roundtable four days later discussing the following themes:
- Strength in Every (Dis)Ability: Driving Inclusion in University Sport
- Student Engagement in the Future of University Sport
- Nothing About US Without US
In Barbados, a futsal event was organised on the 19 September for the Barbados Community Colleges Students to celebrate IDUS. Five teams took part to the tournament and many people came to watch. K’den Hee Chung, FISU Student-Ambassador from Barbados the student ambassador for Barbados designed the flyer of the event.
In Estonia, 14 of the 16 universities in the country were involved in celebrating the International Day of University Sports and the total of 21 events, lead by the Estonian Academic Sports Federation, were attended by over 2000 participants!
In Germany, 838 participants from 81 universities took part to the traditional digital adh-Hochschullauf (university run), which adh, the German National University Sport Federation, has been organising since 2020. Nationwide participants – students, employees and alumni of member universities – have 60 minutes for collecting kilometers for themselves and their universities.
While the Hessian University of Public Management and Security (HöMS Wiesbaden) defended its title in terms of kilometres, OTH Amberg-Weiden took the crown for altitude meters. In total, all participants in the fifth adh university run covered 6,961.29 kilometers and 65,624 meters of elevation gain.
In Haiti, the IDUS celebrations evolved around sporting activities, with basketball and football tournaments. They took place in front of impressive crowds who, like the participants, all love sports!
In Libya, for the second consecutive year, Alasmarya University celebrated the International Day of University Sport. This year’s celebration was distinguished by highlighting the “mind sport” through the organisation of a Chess Championship. The top ranked participants qualified for the national championship.
And after a two-year hiatus, the Libyan University Sports Federation has strongly returned to celebrate the International Day of University Sport, under new leadership appointed by direct instructions from the Minister of Youth. The Libyan University Sports Federation organised two national championships for universities, colleges, and higher institutes across Libya:
- 2nd University Chess Championship: with 48 students from 18 universities across Libya.
- 2nd University Tennis Championship: with 16 students representing 6 universities.
played in the national tennis tournament.
In Mongolia, the National University Sports Federation (NUSF) marked the day with a series of events that highlighted the transformative power of sport in education, youth development, and personal growth.
The first event, held at the School of Physical Education of the Mongolian National University of Education, carried the theme “My Life in Sports, the Life of a Student-Athlete.” Guests included Mr. Ch. Damdinsharav, the nation’s first Olympic medallist, and Mr. Ch. Zorigtbaatar, Director of the Sports Center Olympic School and President of the Mongolian National Olympic Academy. The event brought together around 200 students and teachers.
The second meeting, tailored to freshmen, was hosted at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. Speakers included Mr. Z. Oidov, two-time World Champion in freestyle wrestling, Olympic silver medallist (1976), and Universiade champion (1977); Mr. D. Sereeter, Olympic bronze medallist (1968); and Mrs. Ch. Erdenetuya, Secretary General of NUSF Mongolia. Participants represented multiple institutions including the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Mongolian National University of Education, National Institute of Physical Education, Mon-Altius Institute, and Avarga Institute. More than 20 students engaged directly with the athletes.
The celebrations culminated on September 20, 2025, with a public student mass run at the National Garden Park. Nearly 1,300 students from 20 universities joined the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity, inspiration, and active participation.
given by Mongolian medallists attracted many people.
generation to another.
In Oman, the Oman University Sports Committee organised the celebration of the International Day of University Sport. The event was held at the UTAS Muscat campus under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. It was attended by a large audience, including faculty members, students, and invited guests.
The programme included the following themes: developing infrastructures, expanding training programmes, enhancing cooperation with local and international institutions and increasing opportunities for student participation,
The event reflected Oman’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote student health and wellbeing. It also demonstrated the country’s efforts to provide an integrated university environment that balances academic and athletic excellence.
In Qatar, as part of ongoing efforts to promote physical activity and student engagement, several universities organised sports-related events in September 2025:
- Qatar University
On 18 September, Qatar University organised a sports estafette among its students, encouraging teamwork and healthy competition. - University of Doha for Science and Technology
UDST hosted its annual University Sports Week from 17 to 24 September. The week included various sports activities and concluded with the Fun Olympics Finals. Students from different countries will participate in estafette-style competitions, fostering multicultural interaction and sportsmanship. - Hamad Bin Khalifa University
On 28 September 2025, HBKU in collaboration with Qatar Anti-Doping Commission organised sports activities and fun games among students and public. - Arkansas State University – Doha
On 20 September 225, Arkansas State University – Doha held an orientation session to introduce their sports facilities to new students. In addition, they organised several mini sports competitions to engage new arrivals and promote campus recreation.
In Switzerland, a university sports challenge stand was set up at various locations across the University of St.Gallen. Participants could choose challenges, had to complete 2 out of 4, and then received a small gift.
At the same time, there was a competition across all stands (sitting on the wall for as long as possible). The winner of this overall competition also received a prize. About 400 University of St.Gallen students and employees took part to this activity on IDUS.
In Thailand, the run to the sun at Thammasat University (Rangsit) on 21 September 2025 attracted about 60 participants. This community run was part of the International Day of University Sport celebrations—inviting everyone to get active, strengthen connections between students and the local community, and come together to share and talk about the spirit of university sport.
In Turkmenistan the festivities were varied and colourful, showcasing the country’s love for rhythmic gymnastics, futsal, martial arts and volleyball. The sports competitions included very many university sport students who all celebrated IDUS together.
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