EUC Table Tennis 2025 is officially open in Burdur
The Opening Ceremony of the 13th European Universities Table Tennis Championship was held on 11 September 2025 at the Lavender Hill Hotel, located within Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in Burdur. The event was attended by notable figures, including Burdur Members of Parliament Prof. Dr. Adem Korkmaz and Mustafa Oğuz, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, and Bar Association President Av—Meltem Özdemir, as well as numerous sports enthusiasts. On behalf of the Organising Committee, Dr. Mert Nalbant, Chairman of the Committee, extended a warm welcome to all participants.
Prof. Dr. Mutlu Türkmen, President of the Turkish University Sports Federation, addressed the attendees, expressing his best wishes to all teams and competitors as they prepared to demonstrate their skills and abilities. He also conveyed gratitude to the Organising Committee for their dedicated efforts.
The championship was jointly organized by EUSA and Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, with significant support from the Turkish University Sports Federation (TÜSF). The university and the city have a well-established tradition of hosting university-level sporting events, including football, basketball, and volleyball, which underscores their professionalism and commitment to excellence. The event also benefits from robust backing by the local municipality, civic organizations, and sports associations.
Scheduled from 11 to 16 September 2025 at the MAKÜ Lavender Hill Hotel, the championship features 17 men's and 15 women's teams representing 25 universities across 12 countries. György Kovacs, representing EUSA, is responsible for overseeing the event's smooth operation.
Anticipation is high as athletes from across Europe convene to compete at the pinnacle of university sport, exemplifying athletic prowess alongside the values of fair play, camaraderie, and cultural exchange. The venue was imbued with a lively atmosphere, characterized by music, dance, and vibrant delegations proudly displaying their national flags, fostering a genuinely international and celebratory environment. The parade of university delegations elicited enthusiastic applause as each group entered with evident pride and excitement.
(Organizing Committee Chair Assistant Professor Mert Nalbant)
(Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar)
The ceremony also featured an engaging performance by the MAKÜ Music Conservatory Folk Dance Department, which presented a dynamic repertoire of folk dances that highlighted the cultural heritage of the host city.
(Burdur Deputy Prof. Dr. Adem Korkmaz)
The organisers hope the Championship will serve not only as a competitive platform but also as a legacy for future university sport in the region, inspiring young athletes and setting a benchmark for hosting international events.
More information can be found at www.maku.edu.tr.