In a historic moment at the 38th FISU General Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, Peninnah Kabange Aligawesa from Uganda secured her re-election as Vice President, while Nomsa Mahlangu of South Africa was elected for the first time. The elections marked a significant step towards gender equality within the International University Sports Federation (FISU), with three out of the four Vice President positions now held by women from three different continents.
Unfortunately, six other African candidates who vied for positions did not succeed in the elections, which resulted in Africa experienced a reduction in representation, dropping from three seats to two.
Leonz Eder emerged as the unanimous choice for FISU President, leading the newly elected Executive Committee over the next four years. The composition of the committee underscores FISU’s dedication to diversity, including members from various nations and regions.
The newly elected FISU Executive Committee comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Vice Presidents include Luciano Atayde da Costa Cabral (BRA), Jin Liu (CHN), Penninah Kabenge (UGA), and Verena Burk (GER). Bayasgalan Danzandorj (MGL) assumes the role of FISU Treasurer, while Martin Doulton (AUS) becomes the FISU Senior Executive Committee Member.
Additional Executive Committee Members are Daichi Suzuki (JPN), Hosung Chang (KOR), Rosaura Méndez Gamboa (CRC), Lorenzo Lentini (ITA), Marko Zunic (CRO), Emiliano Ojea (ARG), Delise O’Meally (USA), Duarte Lopes (POR), Ching-Yu Tseng (TPE), Sami Garabedian (LBN), Ali Massari Al Dhaheri (UAE), Mehmet Gunay (TUR), Ágnes Ancic-Valkai (HUN), Cheng Fave See Tow (SGP), and Nomsa Mahlangu (RSA).
The diverse representation in the Executive Committee aligns with FISU’s commitment to inclusivity and equality. Notably, three women now hold prominent positions, exemplifying a positive shift in the traditionally male-dominated sports governance landscape.
The General Assembly also welcomed the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF) as a new FISU member, following Qatar’s successful hosting of the FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball earlier in the year. This expansion of FISU’s membership reinforces the organization’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and promoting university sports worldwide.
As FISU moves forward with a dynamic Executive Committee and a promising line-up of events, the global university sports community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of these leaders on the future of collegiate athletics.
