RSU congratulates student athletes on their sporting success: twice the athletes, twice the medals
Photo: Courtesy of RSU
On 11 June, for the ninth consecutive year, the best student athletes, their coaches, and teams were celebrated at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). A total of 168 members of the RSU sports community were recognised, highlighting the continued growth and strength of the RSU sports family. Compared to last year, the number of athletes who achieved sporting success has doubled – as has the number of medals won.
At the opening ceremony, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons emphasised: ‘The record number of achievements is no coincidence – it is the result of purposeful work. I am particularly proud that this year we can feel a surge of sporting talent from the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE).
The joint sporting community of RSU and RSU LASE is bringing victories that attest to us moving in the right direction.
Your perseverance and skill in combining studies with sport is an inspiration to the entire RSU community.’
Sports achievements and new records
This year, we are particularly proud of the RSU women’s volleyball team, which, under the leadership of coach Inguna Minusa, has achieved outstanding success. The team won the Latvian Championship and secured 3rd place in the Baltic League. Inguna Minusa also serves as Assistant Head Coach of the Latvian women’s national volleyball team. Her contribution clearly demonstrates the significant impact that professional and dedicated coaches have on the path to high-level achievement.
Furthermore, the RSU women’s 3x3 basketball team became European student champions – an achievement that highlights both their athletic mastery and their capacity to represent Latvia and RSU on the international stage.
The RSU men's football team, now in its third season under the University's auspices, has reached new heights of success this year. This year, the team won its first awards – a bronze medal in the Latvian Football League 3 championship and silver in the Latvian University Indoor Football Tournament. This is also the first time that the RSU men's football team has been honoured at an athlete recognition event.
The women's handball team deserves special recognition too – newcomers to the LASE family who triumphed in the Latvian Cup in their very first year, winning gold medals. Their coach, Rihards Leja, is also actively involved with Latvian youth teams, helping to shape the sports leaders of the future.
Individual athletes — swimmers and track and field competitors — have also joined RSU from the LASE sports community. In their first year, they have already demonstrated a high level of preparedness and have won awards in competitions at various levels. There are high hopes for their performance at the World University Games, which will take place in Germany this July.
The RSU powerlifting team, men’s and women’s basketball teams, and men’s volleyball team were also recognised at the athlete recognition event.
Sports infrastructure and future plans
Inspired by the achievements of its athletes, RSU continues to develop its sports infrastructure. Construction of a new sports complex has commenced in Torņakalns, at 3 Cigoriņu iela. The facility will include a modern sports hall, gymnastics and fitness rooms, as well as spectator stands with a capacity of up to 210 seats. Compliance with FIBA2 and CEV2 standards will enable RSU students to train and compete at an even higher level in the future. The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2026.
Thanks to the people behind the scenes
At the end of the event, the RSU Rector expressed special gratitude to the RSU Sports Club administration and coaching team, particularly highlighting Sports Club Manager Laura Ritova and Office Manager Signija Santa. Their work often goes unnoticed behind the scenes but is essential to the success of all athletes.
Congratulating the athletes is a testament that sporting excellence at the university is no coincidence but the result of dedicated teamwork. May RSU athletes continue to have strength, motivation and support as they strive for new sporting heights!
