Despite challenging conditions in Lebanon, Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) excelled at the World InterUniversities Championships (WIUC) in Paris (Olympic City 2024) from November 1 to 5, 2023. With 98 athletes, USJ was the sole representative for Lebanon, showcasing a commendable commitment to the annual global event.

Since 2015, WIUC have brought together universities worldwide in different cities each year. In the 8th edition, 3,254 athletes from 76 universities across Europe, Asia, and Africa convened in Paris.

In men’s futsal, the USJ team achieved a remarkable 4th place out of 24 teams, securing four victories. Despite a semi-final draw (0-0, 0-2 on penalties) against the triple world champion Czech Republic, USJ achieved a 3^rd/4^th place classification match at 1-1 (3-4 on penalties) against Poland. The women’s futsal team also performed admirably, securing a top position despite losing the bronze medal match to Slovakia. These 4th-place finishes in futsal earned USJ six points in the overall ranking.

USJ’s badminton team claimed 6^th place out of 16 teams, while the swimming team secured 14^th place out of 24 universities. The table tennis team earned a 4^th place, bringing home another cup for Lebanon.

In handball, the Lebanese women reached the quarter-finals, gaining a point, while the men’s team was eliminated in the first round with one win and two losses.

USJ’s men’s volleyball team, after defeating world champions Slovakia, was eliminated in the round of 16. In tennis and women’s basketball, USJ reached the quarter-finals, contributing valuable points to their overall standing.

The women’s basketball players clinched the fourth Lebanese Cup in the 3X3 competition, securing 4^th place overall. USJ garnered a total of 16 points, securing 11^th place out of 76 participating universities, marking its best ranking since 2016.

These accomplishments underscore USJ’s dedication to sports and its commitment to representing Lebanon at international events, reinforcing its standing as a prestigious educational institution in the country. Congratulations to the athletes, coaches, and the entire USJ community for this exceptional performance.

Saint Joseph University of Beirut (Lebanon) at the World InterUniversities Championships

1^st World InterUniversities Championships, Rome 2015

54 participants - Did not participate

2^nd World InterUniversities Championships, Rome 2016

1 point - 38^th from 55 participants

3^rd World InterUniversities Championships, Barcelona 2017

4 points - 35^th from 66 participants

4^th World InterUniversities Championships, Barceloae 2018

1 point - 34^th from 78 participants

5^th World InterUniversities Championships, Pula 2019

8,5 points - 14^th from 53 participants

2020 - Not organized due to Covid-19

6^th World InterUniversities Championships, Rome 2021

2 points - 24^th from 41 participants

7^th World InterUniversities Championships, Barcelona 2022

3 points - 27^th from 64 participants

8^th World InterUniversities Championships, Paris 2023

16 points - 11^th from 49 participants

Read also: L'Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth décroche son meilleur classement aux Championnats mondiaux interuniversitaires à Paris

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