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Source Information: What are the FISU Games, where are they held, what sports will take place, and who will be the stars of the 2025 edition?
The FISU Games, formally known as the Universiade, are the top level of global sporting competition exclusively open to university student athletes. Competitors represent their nations and territories rather than their university or institution, and the Games are open to any athlete who is an active student or graduated in 2024, and aged between 18 and 25 years old at any point in 2025 (or up to 28 years old in the para-sport events).
This means some Olympians who appeared at Beijing 2022, or even PyeongChang 2018, may be eligible to compete at the Torino 2025 FISU Games Winter too. Unlike the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games, not every Olympic sport is contested at the FISU Games – and the list of required compulsory sports is far shorter.
The FISU Games can also include sports which are not on the Olympic programme. At Torino 2025, there will be no sliding sports (bobsleigh, luge, skeleton), while Nordic combined, ski jumping, and speed skating are all also off the programme. Para Alpine skiing and para cross-country skiing events will take place for the first time, while ski orienteering, which is not an Olympic sport, will make its second appearance at the FISU Games.
That’s not the only difference: even within each sport, the events list is smaller. For example, there are no downhill Alpine skiing races scheduled in Turin, and only three figure skating events will take place instead of the five at the Olympic Games, with no pairs or team events held.
Where will the 2025 FISU Games take place?
The world’s largest sporting event for student athletes will take place twice this year, with both the winter and summer editions of the FISU World University Games scheduled. From 13–23 January 2025, Turin, Italy, hosts the 32nd edition of the Winter FISU World University Games, marking the second time the Winter FISU Games takes place in the city which also hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 2006 (Turin also hosted the Winter FISU Games in 2007).
It is a homecoming for the FISU Games, as Turin also hosted the first official FISU Summer Universiade, as it was then known, in 1959. The 2025 edition will break new ground as the first time para sports will take place as part of the main sporting programme.
Who will be the stars of the 2025 edition?
Plenty of recognisable names have signed up to compete at the Torino 2025 FISU Winter World University Games from 13-25 January. The headline event will be figure skating, where Japanese Olympic silver medallist Kagiyama Yuma and his compatriot Chiba Mone will look to continue their meteoric rise in the sport.
Elsewhere, some of North America’s top ice hockey talent will be looking to use the event to springboard them to the sport’s biggest leagues next year, while multiple Winter Youth Olympic Games champions like alpine skier Amelie Klopfenstein will be out to prove themselves in more senior competition.
When will gold medals be awarded in Turin?
Gold medals will be awarded on the following days in the following events:
- Figure skating: January 19-20 and 22-23
- Ice hockey: January 14-19 and 22-23
- Alpine skiing: January 17-20 and 22-23
- Moguls skiing: January 17-20 and 22-23
How can I watch live sports from the 2025 World University Games?
Eurosport will broadcast selected action from the FISU Winter World University Games in Torino across Europe and Asia, with streaming on discovery+ and Max platforms. Action can also be streamed live on the FISU.TV platform.
Streaming may be subject to geographical restrictions. To stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from the 2025 FISU Games, follow Morningpicker on social media for exclusive coverage and behind-the-scenes insights.
What time will the FISU Games be broadcast?
The broadcast schedule for the FISU Games will be announced in due course. To stay up-to-date with the latest information, follow Morningpicker’s dedicated FISU Games page for the latest news and updates.
Where can I find more information about the 2025 FISU Games?
For the latest information about the 2025 FISU Games, including schedules, results, and athlete profiles, visit the official FISU website or follow Morningpicker’s dedicated FISU Games page.
Top athletes to keep an eye on at the Torino 2025 FISU Winter World University Games
Below, we take a closer look at seven athletes who are set to light up the Torino 2025 Winter University Games:
Kagiyama Yuma (Japan)
Double Olympic silver medallist Kagiyama Yuma is undoubtedly one of the headline names in figure skating. He also comes into the event after a superb 2024 season where he clinched the 2024 Four Continents Championships title, finished second in the World Championships, and took silver in the Grand Prix Final.
Kagiyama, who won Singles gold at the Lausanne 2020 Youth Winter Olympics, knows exactly what it takes to win on the biggest stages and it would take something special to beat him. His major competition will come from the Republic of Korea’s Cha Junhwan, Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, and Italy’s Daniel Grassl.
Chiba Mone (Japan)
Kagiyama’s compatriot, and Four Continents champion, Chiba Mone is the early favourite for the women’s competition. The 19-year-old, who used to train alongside Hanyu Yuzuru, also took silver in the 2024/25 Grand Prix Final silver and will feel confident of adding another title to her rapidly growing resume.
But victory will be anything but a foregone conclusion with talent like Grand Prix Final bronze medallist Yoshida Hana also in the mix.
Leah Herrfort (Canada)
Leah Herrfort will provide talent and invaluable experience to the Canadian women’s ice hockey team. As a returnee from the 2023 gold medal-winning team, she will empower the star-studded roster around her.
In years gone by, many of Canada’s top university talent went on to play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), and Herrfort is expected to enter the Draft in 2025.
Mackenzie Keenan (Canada)
Mackenzie Keenan, the granddaughter of North Bay’s Larry Keenan, a member of the original St. Louis Blues when the team was awarded expansion into the NHL, is also in the team.
Big things are expected of Canada’s Kaleb Barnum at the Torino 2025 Winter University Games.
Amelie Klopfenstein (Switzerland)
Alpine skiing fans will be well aware of Amelie Klopfenstein’s talent. The Swizz star set the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games alight with two gold medals and a bronze, although she now focuses on the slalom.
Her talent was further honed in the run-up to the Winter University Games under the mentorship of France’s Beijing 2022 Olympic Games silver medallist Johan Clarey.
Ayaulym Amrenova (Kazakhstan)
Ayaulym Amrenova first made sporting headlines at home when she won multiple medals at the 2017 FIS European Cup.
The 23-year-old Aktobe native is one of Kazakhstan’s top moguls skiers, having represented her nation at the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Amy Mitchell (Canada)
Amy Mitchell may only be 19 but enters the tournament with incredible talent and potential.
She will be looking to make a name for herself on the biggest stage and will be one to watch out for in the women’s ice hockey competition.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games medal table, it’s clear that the event has once again showcased the incredible talent and dedication of university athletes from around the globe. From the impressive medal hauls to the electrifying atmosphere, the games have left an indelible mark on the world of university sports. Our article has delved into the details of the medal table, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the winners and their achievements. By examining the data and trends, we’ve gained valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various universities and their athletic programs.
The significance of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games extends far beyond the medals and accolades. It represents a celebration of the power of education, teamwork, and perseverance. The games serve as a platform for universities to come together and promote unity, understanding, and mutual respect. Moreover, the event provides a unique opportunity for athletes to develop their skills, build their confidence, and make lifelong connections. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games will continue to play a vital role in shaping the landscape of university sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes and leaders to strive for excellence.