Generales

By Johansson Cruz Lopera, Journalist at UdeA Communications Office 

Thirty-three members from the Universidad de Antioquia—28 athletes and five coaches—will travel to Germany to represent Colombia at the 2025 FISU World University Games, scheduled for July 16 to 27. With support from the Universidad de Antioquia Foundation, the delegation takes on this international challenge, proudly representing Colombia at one of the world’s most prestigious university sports events. 

The World University Games stand as the premier stage for university athletes worldwide. This year, nearly 8,500 competitors from more than 150 countries will participate. Photo: UdeA Communications Department / Daniel Acevedo. 

The 28 athletes and five coaches from the Universidad de Antioquia share two core values: pride and commitment. They will represent their university at the 2025 FISU World University Games—widely recognized as the “Olympics” of university sports—held in Germany from July 16 to 27. 

Mauricio Pinzón Botero, head of the UdeA Sports Department within the University Welfare Department, emphasized that representing the country at these games is a significant achievement. He added that this milestone contributes to the holistic growth of their student-athletes. 

The director highlighted that this participation showcases the university’s excellence in sports and reinforces its dedication to academic success. “Our athletes benefit from thorough and demanding preparation, backed by a multidisciplinary team of coaches, healthcare professionals, physical therapists, physicians, and psychologists. It’s worth noting that they have successfully balanced their academic responsibilities with their athletic pursuits,” said Pinzón Botero. 

The 2025 FISU World University Games will take place across the German cities of Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Hagen, and Berlin. Approximately 8,500 athletes from over 150 countries will vie for medals in 18 sports. Colombia’s delegation will include 74 members, with the Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) providing 45% of the participants.  

The Alma Mater delegation will once again receive financial backing from the Universidad de Antioquia Foundation. “We deeply appreciate the sacrifice, dedication, and discipline UdeA athletes have shown over the years. Supporting their participation at the departmental, national, and international levels brings us great pride,” said Marcos Alberto Ossa Ramírez, executive director of the Foundation. He also emphasized the Foundation’s over 30 years of commitment to university wellness programs that benefit students. 

Learning and competing: expectations 

The World University Games occur every two years, in odd-numbered years. In the last edition held in China, the Alma Mater sent 17 athletes to compete. Athletes qualify for the Games through the National University Games, organized by the Colombian Association of Universities (Ascun). The Universidad de Antioquia proudly holds the current championship in this competition. 

“Taking part in these Games is truly unforgettable. It’s hard to fully express the meaning they hold for you as an athlete. The university can be proud to stand behind its athletes,” said Estefanía Aristizábal Medina, a Social Work student and track and field competitor, returning to the Games for her second time. 

The competition showcases top-level athletic performance, and Humberto Martínez Zapata, coach of the taekwondo team, calls it the “greatest opportunity available to a university athlete.” He emphasized that the athletes have trained rigorously and are ready to compete against the best from around the globe. 

Nelson Agudelo Ruiz, table tennis coach, praised the joint efforts of the Alma Mater and the UdeA Foundation in securing the necessary resources for participation. “This collaboration made our presence possible at the Games in China two years ago, and now at the 2025 FISU Games in Germany, it represents a significant milestone for our athletes to represent the country with pride,” he said. 

For the athletes’ delegation, the Games offer a chance to showcase their talent, athletic skills, and dedication to their academic pursuits. “Competing in these Games is a personal milestone that marks significant progress in my athletic career. It is also a great honor to represent and defend the country wearing the UdeA emblem,” said Asly Michely Rivas Palacios, a second-semester medical student and track and field athlete.