Student sport is about more than competing for medals. For many, it is a space where discipline, team spirit and self-confidence are built alongside academic obligations. This year, the University of Rijeka took those experiences beyond Croatia’s borders, as its students competed at two European events organised by the European University Sports Association (EUSA).
The Road to Europe Leads Through Unisport Finals
At the European level, university competitions are held under the auspices of the European University Sports Association, which organises and runs European championships in cooperation with national federations. University teams that stand out at the national Unisport Finals get the chance to compete on the European stage. At this year’s Unisport Finals, the Rijeka delegation won eight medals in seven sports, and it is results like these that opened the door to international appearances.
Badminton in Salerno
The European Universities Games in Salerno, one of the largest European student sporting events, brought together more than 4,000 athletes from over 400 universities. The badminton competition took place from 26 July to 2 August 2026. The University of Rijeka was represented by Filip Knežević and Luka Črep in the men’s category and by Nuša Stojanović and Sena Smailiji in the women’s category. The team was led by Luka Vrančić as team leader.
For young athletes, such an appearance means much more than the match itself. They share accommodation and sports halls with athletes from across Europe, encounter different styles of play, and gain experience that domestic tournaments cannot offer.
Combat Sports in Tirana
Rijeka was also present at the EUC Combat European championship, held in Tirana, Albania, from 13 to 16 September 2026. The University was represented there by Stella Lovaković, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, under the guidance of coach Shunsuke Mukai. Her participation is a particularly good illustration of how sport and demanding studies can be combined with good organisation and determination.
Why Sport Matters During Studies
Taking part in university sport gives students a chance to feel part of a community, to develop independence, and to learn to cope with pressure, defeats and successes alike. Regular training also helps keep a balance between academic duties and free time, and experiences from European competitions often rank among the most important memories of student life.