Team Malta is set to make a long-awaited return to the global university sports stage, as the Malta University Sports Association (MUSA) officially announced the 24-member delegation that will represent the country at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.
The prestigious multi-sport event, running from July 16 to 27, marks Malta’s first participation in the Games in nearly ten years, signalling a major step forward in the country’s commitment to student-athlete development and international sporting representation. Organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the Games are the second-largest multi-sport event in the world, behind only the Olympics. They bring together thousands of student-athletes from over 150 countries in a celebration of sporting excellence, cultural exchange and international friendship.
The Maltese delegation is made up of 12 athletes, 3 coaches, 1 medical professional, 1 media liaison officer and 7 members of MUSA’s executive team. Among the selected athletes are Katryna Esposito, who will compete in Judo, Alex Degabriele in Tennis, and the trio of Samuel Cassar, Elenia Haber and Francesca Clark who will represent Malta in Badminton. The athletics squad includes Beppe Grillo, Matthew Galea Soler, Isaac Bonnici, Jordan Pace, Rachela Pace, Martha Spiteri and Mireya Bugeja. Each athlete has been preparing intensively in the lead-up to what will be one of the most significant competitions of their careers.
Coaching responsibilities will fall to Mario Bonello for Athletics, Franco Degabriele for Tennis and Ivan Esposito for Judo. The delegation will also include Godfrey Sapiano as the team’s medical professional, ensuring that athletes are supported physically throughout the Games, while Nik Engerer will serve as the media liaison officer, coordinating communications and coverage.
Luka Aras, who serves as MUSA President, will also lead the team as Head of Delegation. He will be accompanied by executive team members Zack Mangani, Nickolai Bonello, Jake Vella, Maya Debono, Marcus Zarb Grech and Federica Fava, all of whom have played instrumental roles in the planning and coordination of Malta’s return to the FISU stage.
Speaking ahead of the Games, Zack Mangani, MUSA’s Finance Officer, expressed his pride at the team’s re-entry into one of the world’s most prestigious university-level sporting events. “This is a proud milestone for student sport in Malta. After nearly a decade, our return to the FISU World University Games is not just about competition, it’s about building opportunity, raising standards, and reinforcing our belief in the power of sport to transform lives,” he said.
This summer’s return to the world university stage represents more than just a sporting event; it signals a renewed era for Maltese university sport, driven by ambition, preparation and pride.
MUSA recognised the tireless dedication and resilience of the student-athletes themselves, whose commitment to both sport and academics embodies the true spirit of the FISU movement.
