Oman may host biggest World University Championships in 2028

MUSCAT, FEB 21

International University Sports Federation (FISU) President, Leonz Eder, appreciated and praised the Sultanate of Oman’s prominent role and efforts towards excellent organisation of the first 2024 FISU World University Championships Cross Country in Muscat.

In an exclusive interview with the Observer, the Swiss official shared his thoughts on various topics relevant to the future of FISU and the discussions he had with the government officials and other local stakeholders on Oman’s abilities to host another bigger World University Championships in 2028.

"Majority of the athletes who attended FISU World University Championships Cross Country came for first time to Oman to compete in this world-class event. It was a golden opportunity for them to have a proper competitive environment and also it is a great opportunity for them to explore Oman’s culture and learn more about the country. We at FISU are working hard on these values and encouraging all the athletes in all events to expand their relationships with local people and learn more about the host countries,” Eder said.

Over 200 athletes representing 21 nations across the world took part in the FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024). The event featured different categories including mixed short and long relay events.

“It was the first World University Championships in Oman and we are at FISU are very grateful to the officials for this success. The event showcased Oman’s capability and ability to host major sporting events,” he added.

"FISU events are normally hosted in European countries and we are looking to diversify the hosts to different geographical zones. Oman has the ability to successfully stage top-class events and Muscat may host an international major University Championships in 2028. We had successful discussions and meetings with Omani officials in sports field in this regard. Beside the sporting events, there are many world-class events in FISU namely: FISU World Forum and International Day of University Sport where the values and strategic plans of the FISU will be introduced and discussed with the participants from across the world,” the FISU chief said.

"FISU’s major events are represented by FISU World University Games Summer which features participation of more than 10,000 athletes competing in 18 different sports, while FISU World University Games winter is another major event where 2,500 athletes took part in different nine sports. Beside that, there are various FISU World Championships in different sports including cycling, shooting, sports climbing, squash, beach sports, triathlon, powerlifting, etc,” he added.

"Oman is a great hub to host many top international university sporting events and this is a great investment for a country where athletes from different parts of the world come to compete and promote about the country in many social media platforms,” he added.

Spain athletes claimed the overall title of the championship, while athletes from Great Britain claimed the gold medal in team’s classification for women. Spanish athletes received silver medals, the South Africans got bronze medals. In the men’s team classification, French athletes topped the podium with gold, while athletes from Spain came second with silver, Great Britain finished third to receive bronze medals.