On June 16, the 18th FISU World University Championship Futsal, themed Dream for Futsal, Heartbeat for Shanghai concluded successfully at the gymnasium of Shanghai University of Engineering Science.
The closing ceremony was attended by Sami Alphonse Garabetian, FISU Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the International Supervision, Control and Arbitration Committee of FISU (CISCA); Alim Rachid Maluf Neto, Chairman of the FISU Futsal Technical Committee; Massimo Cumbo, Chief Referee of the Shanghai 2024 FISU World University Championship Futsal; Piotr Kuś, representative of the Organizing Committee for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Futsal in Poland; Liu Lixin, President and Secretary General of China Student Sports Federation (CSSF); Wang Hao, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission; Mao Lijuan, Vice President of the CSSF and President of Shanghai University of Sport; Li Jiang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai University of Engineering Science; and Yu Tao, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and President of Shanghai University of Engineering Science. Also in attendance were leaders from FISU, CSSF, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Songjiang District, and various universities, as well as delegation members from 21 teams representing 16 countries and regions, technical officials, media friends, sponsors, student representatives, and business representatives. The closing ceremony was hosted by Yu Tao, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and President of Shanghai University of Engineering Science.
The ceremony began with the entry of participating flag formations, followed by the playing of the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China, as the national flag was raised.
In his speech, Wang Hao, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, remarked that since the start of the championship, 21 delegations from 16 countries and regions showed their tenacious university sports spirit, leaving splendid moments of progressing and hard working in Shanghai which is tolerant to diversity and pursues for excellence. This event has served as a bridge for communication and friendship, with over 400 athletes competing on the field, supporting each other off the field, transitioning from strangers to friends, and from opponents to companions, creating wonderful memories together. He hopes everyone will carry these beautiful memories forward, continue to pursue excellence, and create brilliance in their respective fields.
Sami Alphonse Garabetian, FISU Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the CISCA, delivered a closing speech and formally announced the conclusion of the Shanghai 2024 FISU World University Championship Futsal. He highlighted that as a global event for university students, the Shanghai 2024 FISU World University Championship Futsal not only provides a stage for young athletes to showcase their talents but also promotes international exchange and cooperation. In addition to competition, sports is a key link for connecting the world and promoting peace and friendship. Over the past several days, the university student athletes around the world showed their extraordinary skills and indomitable spirit. They were full of passion and vitality at every moment both on and off the pitch. These great qualities will continue to shine in their future life.
Following this, a FISU flag handover ceremony was held. Li Jiang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai University of Engineering Science, handed the FISU flag to Sami Alphonse Garabetian, FISU Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the CISCA, who then passed it to Piotr Kuś, the representative of the Organizing Committee for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Futsal in Poland.
The 7-day tournament, featuring 51 matches, saw several awards being presented. In the women's group, the Fair Play Award, the Best Goalkeeper Award, the Top Scorer Award, and the Best Player Award went to the Chinese team, goalkeeper Liu Danping from China, player Su Jiahong from China, and Luana Rodrigues from Brazil, respectively. The Women's Group Finals Referee Award were given to Noelia Gutierrez Muñoz (referee) from Spain, Martina Piccolo (second referee) from Italy, Gevorg Yeghyoyan (third referee) from Armenia, and Zou Zhidong (timekeeper) from China. In the men's group, the Fair Play Award, the Best Goalkeeper Award, the Top Scorer Award, and the Best Player Award went to the Mongolian team, goalkeeper Mykola Kholyn from Ukraine, player Francisco Oliveira from Portugal, and player Rafael Ferreira from Brazil, respectively. The Men's Group Finals Referee Award were given to Liu Jianqiao (referee) from China, Muhammad Ghaz Gianaraiden (second referee) from Malaysia, Naja Hansen Mohand Janbush (third referee) from the United Arab Emirates, and Li Qibin (timekeeper) from China.
The most anticipated team awards for the women's and men's groups were presented on stage, with representatives taking photos with the guests. In the women's group, the Brazilian team won the gold medal, the Portuguese team won the silver medal, and the Chinese team won the bronze medal. In the men's group, the Croatian team won the gold medal, the Brazilian team won the silver medal, and the French team won the bronze medal.
Amidst the cheers of the audience, students from various universities in Shanghai presented a splendid theatrical performance. Through three chapters—Blessings, Friends, Reminiscence, Jiangnan, and Memories, Farewell—they conveyed the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship to all the participants. The performance showcased the charm of Haipai culture, the elegance of Jiangnan, the unique traditional culture of China, and left an everlasting memory of fierce competition and mutual appreciation.