Thailand, Malaysia lead ASEAN at Summer World Universiade ‘25

Southeast Asian athletes delivered spirited performances at the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games, held from July 16 to 27 at Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

After double-digit days of games, Thailand led the region’s medal count. Meanwhile, Malaysia making podium finishes, and the Philippines showcasing determination despite going home without medals.

The Thais emerged as ASEAN’s top performer with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Standouts included Thamonwan Nithiittikrai, who clinched gold in women’s badminton singles, and Bunlung Tubtimdang, who triumphed in the 68kg men’s taekwondo bout. 

Other notable silver finishes came from Tidapron Kleebyeesun (women’s badminton), Sirawit Mahamad (58kg taekwondo), Puripol Boonson (100m dash), and Chutikan Jongkolrattanawattana (53kg taekwondo).

Moreover, bronze finishes were secured by Peeratchai Sukphun & Pakkapon Teerarasatsakul (men’s badminton doubles), the women’s team kyorugi, Sasikarn Tongchan (62kg taekwondo), and Kamonchanok Seeken (49kg taekwondo).

On the other side, Malaysia secured 1 silver and 1 bronze. Khiew Hoe Yean powered to silver in the men’s 400m freestyle swimming, while Wong Ling Ching earned bronze in women’s badminton singles.

The Philippines, though medal-less, fielded a diverse delegation across athletics, archery, basketball, table tennis, and volleyball, with representatives such as Louie Agawa, Mark Mahinay, Keturah Collene Gonzales, Wesley Joshua Tanco, the Mapua Cardinals, the UC Webmasters, and the NU Bulldogs. Their participation highlighted the country’s commitment to the global university sports stage.

On a separate note, the FISU-led games, one of the world’s most prestigious multi-sport events, embody their motto of Excellence in Mind and Body, combining elite athletic performance with educational and cultural exchange among student-athletes worldwide