The Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh will host the 2026 World University Championship Finswimming, the first time the event has been held in Egypt, the Arab world or Africa, the Ministry of Higher Education said.
Around 200 athletes from 20 countries are expected to compete in the event, which is backed by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), the ministry said in a statement.
The Egyptian Universities Sports Federation is organising the championships in co-operation with the Egyptian Diving and Lifesaving Federation.
Delegations are due to arrive on October 25, with the opening ceremony scheduled for October 27. Competitions will take place on October 28 and 29 at the Olympic swimming pool in Sharm El-Sheikh’s Sports City, followed by the closing ceremony on October 29.
Participating countries include France, China, Japan, Russia, Germany, Italy, Tunisia and Egypt.
Organisers said hosting the event would strengthen Egyptian university sport and help promote sports tourism.
