"Volleyball: TF can prove its worth on the international stage as well."
The organization of the European Universities Volleyball Championship, starting with the official opening on Sunday, is a significant accomplishment for the Hungarian University of Sports Science (TF).
A press conference was held on Wednesday at the Dr. Jenő Koltai Sports Center on Csörsz utca, with volleyball naturally in the spotlight. From July 27 to August 3, Budapest will host the European Universities Volleyball Championship, with the majority of matches taking place at the state-of-the-art Dr. Jenő Koltai Sports Center — the home of TFSE (the university’s sports club). Additional matches will be held at the gymnasiums of Budai Cistercian St. Imre High School on Villányi út and St. Margaret High School. A total of 30 university volleyball teams from 15 countries will compete in the Hungarian capital, which speaks to the sport’s growing popularity — a point strongly emphasized by Prof. Dr. Lajos Mocsai during the event.
“This year, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hungarian University of Sports Science (TF), and we are proud to host an event worthy of this milestone. Volleyball is one of the most popular sports globally — second only to football — with a strong following across South America, Europe, and Asia. It brings us great joy to host the European Universities Volleyball Championship,” said Prof. Dr. Lajos Mocsai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the University, President of the Hungarian University Sports Federation (MEFS), and the official patron of the championship.
Also present at the event was Prof. Dr. Tamás Sterbenz, rector of the university and President of the Organizing Committee, who stated in his welcome speech:
“This is the most significant stop in our TF100 celebration series. At this year’s MEFOB Fest, we already proved that TF excels not only in theory but in practice when it comes to organizing high-level sporting events. Now, we have the chance to demonstrate our expertise on the international stage as well.”
Gabriella Vatai, President of the Hungarian Volleyball Federation, expressed her gratitude to the organizers:
“The organizing team is approaching this event with true professionalism, and we’re providing all the support we can. Volleyball is a highly accessible and popular sport — something this event once again proves.”
Zoltán Rakaczki, Executive Director of TFSE and the Organizing Committee, shared an early success story: air condition system has been installed at one of the venues, Budai Cistercian St. Imre High School, a development he officially inaugurated alongside Gabriella Vatai.
“Our event fully meets all the requirements of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) — and in many areas, we aim to exceed expectations,” he added.
Zoltán Jókay, senior lecturer in the Department of Team Sports, head of volleyball operations at TFSE, and head coach of the women's team, shared the players' excitement:
“It’s a huge achievement that TFSE now competes in the top division — the Extraliga — not only in men’s but also in women’s volleyball. We take great pride in the fact that our teams rely heavily on TF students. Many players from both squads expressed interest in participating in the university championship, and after a careful selection process, the final roster has been decided. We are motivated and excited to begin the tournament.”