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A new chapter in the history of wheelchair basketball was written this past week, as 3x3 wheelchair basketball made its official debut at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, the first time a para sport has been included in the prestigious international multi-sport event.
Hosted in Bochum, Germany, the tournament delivered fast-paced action and memorable moments across both the men’s and women’s competitions. With packed crowds and an electric atmosphere, the event not only showcased world-class performance but also represented a significant step forward in the integration and visibility of para sport.
Podium Success
In the men’s competition, Spain captured gold following a hard-fought final against Great Britain, securing an 11–8 victory. USA claimed the bronze medal with a strong performance over Japan.
Pablo Poyato, men’s team captain for Spain, reflected on the significance of the achievement:
“For all of us, it’s like a dream. We want to be seen as professional athletes, like able-bodied people. It’s just a sport, it’s just basketball.”
The women’s final was decided in dramatic fashion, with Germany claiming gold in front of their home crowd after an intense overtime win over Spain, finishing 12–11. USA secured third place with a commanding win over Brazil in the bronze medal match.
Germany’s Lilly Sellak, who helped lead her team to victory, described the moment:
“We achieved greatness. We won the gold medal and that is such a cool feeling. It’s a great honour. Every single one of our friends, families, and the fans were here. During the last couple of days, we talked about how we could sometimes hear the supporters louder than the music on the court. We needed this. We pushed ourselves, celebrated every basket, and with the fans behind us, it gave us an incredible boost.”
A Showcase for Inclusion
The debut of 3x3 wheelchair basketball at the FISU Games was more than a sporting milestone, it was a powerful demonstration of how para sport and university sport can come together in a truly inclusive environment, met with strong support from athletes who recognised the significance of the occasion.
USA’s Joseph Rafter noted:
“There are so many people from Germany and all over the world that came to watch. Our men’s and women’s able-bodied teams came out and supported us every single game. I think it’s a sign that our sport is just the same thing as able-bodied. We’re just in chairs.”
Spain’s Sara Revuelta Garcia added:
“In my opinion, it’s very significant. It’s a way of normalising disability and disabled sport, bringing it together with able-bodied sport - to show that we are still athletes. It doesn’t matter if we are standing up or in a wheelchair.
Wheelchair basketball is one of the leading para sports; it receives more visibility and interest than many others. For us, it’s huge. It’s the first step toward bringing more disabled sports into this kind of multi-sport event.”
Gabriel Zangenfeind, IWBF Secretary General IWBF, expressed pride in the sport’s milestone moment:
“It was a great honour for wheelchair basketball to be the first para sport integrated into the FISU World University Games. A milestone made even more special by the setting, as our players competed in front of a sold-out arena with an incredible atmosphere. A big thank you to the players for showcasing the excitement of 3x3 wheelchair basketball. IWBF is deeply appreciative of the trust placed in us by FISU and the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 organisers in including us in these Games. We also value the continued collaboration with FIBA in sharing the court. The integration of the running and wheelchair game on a single 3x3 court once again demonstrated the inclusive power of global basketball.”
Looking Ahead
The successful debut of 3x3 wheelchair basketball at the FISU Games highlights the growing global appeal of the discipline. IWBF extends its congratulations to all participating teams and thanks to FISU, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Organising Committee, and the spectators who made this historic debut one to remember.
Photo Credits: Rhine-Ruhr 2025: Leon Tonhäuser / Steffie Wunderl / Salomée Michon-Vinçont
