The Turkish city of Samsun has replaced Ekaterinburg (Russia) for the organisation of the 2022 FISU University World Cup Combat Sports, scheduled from 21 to 30 September.
FISU Acting President Leonz Eder, FISU Secretary General-CEO Éric Saintrond and Mehmet Gunay, President of the Turkish National University Sport Federation signed today the contract officialising the event.
“Since our initial talks and visit everything went smoothly, quickly and in a very efficient way, we appreciate your support,” said Leonz Eder. “We hope that more events will come to Turkey.”
Having hosted the 2005 Summer Universiade in Izmir and the 2011 Winter Universiade in Erzurum, Turkey can claim it is familiar with large FISU competitions.
“Moreover, our country loves combat sports,” said Mehmet Gunay. “We have had several World and Olympic champions in wrestling and boxing and we are looking forward to popularising wushu and sambo that are still little known in Turkey.”
The one-million inhabitants host city of Samsun is ready for the event. Home of one of the country’s largest and oldest universities, it is also well equipped to receive around a thousand student-athletes and officials, with a good system of transportation, accommodation and, of course, sports installations.
“September is coming fast but we could start tomorrow. Every year, we are organising several important university championships at the national level. We also are benefitting from the support of the Sports Ministry. I’m not worried,” Mehmet Gunay added.
The Turkish delegation was composed of Mr Mehmet Gunay, President of the National University Sport Federation, Ms Aslı Ozdendir, General Directorate of Youth and Sport, International Relations, and Mr Yakup Yildirim, Specialist.
The programme at a glance:
- Boxing : 25 to 30 September
- Karate : 27 to 30 September
- Muaythai : 22 to 28 September
- Sambo : 21 to 23 September
- Wrestling : 26 to 30 September
- Wushu : 21 to 24 September
The FISU Online Accreditation System will be open from the 18th of May 2022.
Universities are encouraged to register as soon as possible to the different events.
