As the sporting world gears up for the 2025 FISU World University Games, India reflects on its breakout performance in the 2023 Games, held in Chengdu, China.
From shooting and archery to athletics and judo, the Indian university contingent made headlines with its best-ever performance, firmly establishing the country as a growing force in global university sport.
In this article, we revisit India’s 2023 campaign, provide context to the unusual scheduling of the Chengdu Games, and examine what the 2025 edition represents for the evolution of the FISU movement and its increasing relevance in India’s sporting roadmap.
Chengdu 2023: India’s Best-Ever Medal Haul
India’s showing at the 2023 FISU World University Games in Chengdu was historic. The delegation returned home with a record 26 medals, distributed as follows:
- 🥇 11 Gold
- 🥈 5 Silver
- 🥉 10 Bronze
This was not only India’s highest-ever medal tally at the World University Games but also a sign of growing depth in its university-level talent pool. What stood out most was the sheer variety of disciplines in which India succeeded.
Shooting Leads the Charge
Shooting was India’s most dominant discipline at the Games. Top international names like Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan, and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar led the charge, winning gold in individual and mixed team events. Their presence elevated the standard of the Indian shooting squad, offering a powerful mix of international experience and university-age enthusiasm.
India’s shooters performed consistently across air pistol, air rifle, and team events, contributing the majority of gold medals. It was a reflection of the country’s well-established shooting infrastructure and the integration of elite athletes into higher education systems.
Archery: Precision Pays Off
Indian archers also made their mark, particularly in the compound events. Avneet Kaur, Sangampreet Singh Bisla, and Pragati delivered gold in both individual and mixed team formats. Their technical execution and mental resilience demonstrated India’s growing influence in international archery, especially in university-age categories.
Athletics: Milestones on the Track
In athletics, India achieved its most successful campaign at a FISU Games. Jyothi Yarraji, already a rising star in Indian track and field, won a bronze medal in the 100m hurdles—a rare sprint podium for India at a global multisport meet.
In addition, Amlan Borgohain and Priyanka Goswami earned bronze medals in sprint and race walk events respectively, underlining the emergence of a new generation of track talent nurtured through university sports programs.
Judo: Breaking New Ground
Perhaps the most historic moment came in judo, where Yamini Mourya secured a bronze in the women’s 57kg category India’s first-ever judo medal at the World University Games. It was a significant milestone for a discipline often overshadowed by more established sports in India. Her podium finish sent a powerful message about the potential for combat sports within Indian university systems.
Why the 2021 Games Were Held in 2023
The Chengdu Games were originally scheduled for 2021, but like many international sporting events, they faced repeated postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were delayed to 2021, the FISU World University Games were rescheduled not once but twice before finally being held in July-August 2023.
Even though they took place in 2023, the Games were still officially branded the 2021 Summer World University Games, preserving their original cycle and numbering. The delay caused several top student-athletes to miss out due to age eligibility restrictions, but India’s delegation remained competitive, fielding a strong mix of undergraduates and postgraduates.
In parallel, the originally planned 2023 Games—slated for Yekaterinburg, Russia were cancelled after FISU suspended Russia’s hosting rights following the invasion of Ukraine. This left Chengdu as the focal point of the FISU calendar and further amplified the importance of the 2023 edition.
What to Expect from the 2025 FISU World University Games
The 2025 edition of the FISU World University Games comes at a significant time for university sport. Scheduled as the next full Summer Universiade after Chengdu, this year’s Games will feature 18 sports, including 15 compulsory events and 3 optional sports chosen by the host: 3×3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, and Rowing.
This marks the first time 3×3 basketball will be included in the FISU Summer Games, reflecting its growing popularity and Olympic inclusion. Beach volleyball returns after its last appearance in 2013, and rowing continues from its 2021 reintroduction. The expansion into these areas also reflects a broader trend in university sports embracing fast-paced, spectator-friendly formats.
Another major development is the introduction of para-sport events in the Summer Games for the first time. Following their inclusion in the 2025 Winter World University Games, FISU has now integrated para-athletes into the summer program, making this the most inclusive edition in the history of the Games.
The 2025 Games will continue to serve as a key Olympic preparation platform, particularly for athletes in shooting, athletics, and swimming. Many student-athletes who excel at the FISU level go on to become national champions and Olympians—highlighting the importance of these Games as a transition zone between junior and elite senior competition.
FISU Games and India’s Sporting Ecosystem
India’s performance at the Chengdu Games and subsequent events like the 2024 FISU World Shooting Championship (where India claimed 24 medals) underscore how seriously the country is taking university sport. Backed by initiatives like Khelo India University Games, improved sports infrastructure at top educational institutions, and deeper collaboration between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and national sports federations, India’s presence at the FISU Games is no longer symbolic it’s strategic.
Universities across the country now act as talent hubs where athletes can train and compete at high levels while pursuing academic goals. The dual-career model, long practiced in countries like the USA and Japan, is now gaining ground in India, enabling athletes to access coaching, competition, and higher education simultaneously.
Indian Participation at 2025 FISU World University Games
Archery | 12 Athletes ( 8 Male & 4 Female )
Athletics | 95 Athletes ( 49 Male & 47 Female )
Badminton | 12 Athletes ( 6 Male & 6 Female )
Basketball | 29 Athletes ( 17 Male & 12 Female )
Beach Volleyball | 4 Athletes ( 2 Male & 2 Female )
Tennis | 8 Athletes ( 5 Male & 3 Female )
Table Tennis | 10 Athletes ( 5 Male & 5 Female )
Volleyball | 12 Athletes ( 12 Female )
India and the Future of University Sport
As the 2025 FISU World University Games unfold, India’s role in the evolving university sports landscape continues to grow. The success in 2023 was no fluke it was the result of a decade of gradual transformation across university campuses, sports federations, and government policy.
Looking forward, the FISU platform will be crucial in shaping India’s next generation of Olympians, particularly in individual sports where early international exposure can fast-track elite development. While medals remain the measure of success, participation in carefully chosen sports, a stronger university pipeline, and greater media awareness all point to a sustainable future.
Whether it’s the roar of a sprint final, the silence of a shooting range, or the tension of a judo throw India is no longer just participating at the World University Games. It’s aiming to lead.
For full coverage of the 2025 FISU Games, athlete features, and real-time medal updates, follow IndiaSportsHub.
