The UMA is once again taking center stage on the international sports scene, this time becoming the world capital of university padel by hosting the 2026 FISU World University Padel Championship—a competition that goes beyond the purely athletic to serve as a space for social interaction and cultural exchange.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has entrusted the Malaga-based institution with hosting this championship—the first of its kind ever held worldwide—which will bring together more than 120 athletes from some twenty different countries at the UMA through July 11.
The opening ceremony took place this afternoon at the Botanical Garden on the Teatinos campus. It was presided over by the university’s rector, Teodomiro López, accompanied by Mariola Rus, Director General of Sports Systems and Values for the Regional Government of Andalusia, and Mehmet Gunay, representing the FISU presidency, among many other institutional, academic, and civic officials.
Fostering Values
“Over the next few days, Málaga will become a premier gathering place for the best in international collegiate sports,” the university president emphasized in his welcome address, in which he also expressed his “pride” in hosting this competition, “which goes beyond the mere pursuit of victory, embodying essential values such as constant effort, respect, equal opportunity, cultural harmony, and the ability to build bridges between people and nations.”
“At the UMA, we view sports as a fundamental aspect of a well-rounded education. We not only train athletes, but also committed citizens capable of working as a team, pushing themselves to excel, and facing challenges with responsibility and a spirit of continuous improvement,” López noted.
The rector also stated that welcoming athletes and delegations from around the world is a “privilege and a responsibility that we embrace with great enthusiasm and a sense of institutional duty.” He also highlighted the work of the volunteers, “whose dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work have been essential to making this championship possible.”
Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the World University Padel Championship, hosted by Honorato Morente, a professor in the School of Education, and journalist Nuria Mena—a graduate of the School of Communication Sciences—began with a parade of the delegations from the participating countries. This was followed by the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.
To the tune of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) anthem and “Gaudeamus Igitur,” the FISU flag was also raised, carried by volunteers. Afterward, the athletes and officials took their oaths.
Following remarks by some of the ambassadors for the Málaga 2026 FISU World University Padel Championship—including professional padel players Bea González and Marta Caparrós—the opening ceremony of this international championship concluded with a musical performance showcasing Málaga’s folklore through a “Panda de Verdiales” group.
Competition
The competition kicks off tomorrow at the PSM Fantasy facilities, which feature 12 indoor courts, and will bring together delegations from some twenty countries, including Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the United States, Argentina, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Chinese Taipei, reflecting the growing global reach of a sport that is experiencing unprecedented expansion.
In total, the championship will bring together 121 college athletes and 36 members of the coaching staff. There are 88 pairs competing. By category, the organizers have registered 30 men’s pairs, 28 women’s pairs, and 30 mixed pairs, creating a high-level field that will showcase the talent of future generations of international padel players.
Inclusion and Sustainability
The championship also stands out for its strong commitment to inclusion. At the same time, the WUC Padel “Inclusive Draw” Tournament will be held in partnership with the Palas para Todos Association. The initiative will take place starting Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For this event, a “Champions” category has been established, in which university students will share the court with members of the association. The goal is to promote integration and equal opportunities.
Sustainability will be another cornerstone of the event. FISU WUC Pádel 2026 is committed to protecting the environment by implementing specific measures aimed at reducing the event’s environmental impact and promoting responsible habits among participants, technical staff, volunteers, and attendees.
The experience for participants will be rounded out by an extensive cultural program designed to showcase Málaga’s rich heritage. Museum visits, tours of the historic center, and activities aimed at fostering exchange among students of different nationalities will transform the championship into a true platform for international encounters.
With this event, the UMA and Málaga reinforce their position as hosts of major sporting competitions. Over the next five days, the city will not only welcome the best emerging talents in collegiate padel but will also project an image of innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and organizational excellence to the world, strengthening the link between sports, education, and social development.
13 Jul
