AUK Wraps Up Inaugural KIPCO University Championship 2025 with Major Success

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) proudly concluded the KIPCO University Championship 2025 (KUC) following six months of high-energy, multi-sport competition. Fully conceptualized, organized, and hosted by AUK, the tournament was made possible through the generous sponsorship of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company Holding), after whom the championship was named in recognition of their support.

This first-of-its-kind intercollegiate event brought together seven leading universities competing in six sports: men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Teams faced off in a group stage format, advancing into high-stakes knockout rounds that drew enthusiastic crowds and strong school pride throughout the season.

Reflecting on the championship’s development, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, Vice President for Student Affairs at AUK, noted:

This tournament was more than a competition—it was a platform for students to express their athletic talent, leadership, and university spirit. AUK is proud to have led its full organization, with a student-centered approach that exemplifies our institutional values.

KIPCO’s sponsorship played a crucial role in bringing the championship to life. Representing KIPCO, Mr. Abdullah Al-Khudari stated:

We are honored to have supported this initiative. Sports are vital in developing character and community, and we commend AUK for its leadership in delivering such a high-caliber event.

🏆 Tournament Champions:

• Men’s Soccer: Australian University (AOU)

• Women’s Soccer: Australian University (AU)

• Men’s Basketball: American University of Kuwait (AUK)

• Women’s Basketball: American University of Kuwait (AUK)

• Men’s Volleyball: Australian University (AU)

• Women’s Volleyball: Box Hill College Kuwait

🎖 Special Awards:

• Fair Play Trophy: International University of Kuwait (IUK)

• Championship Shield (Overall Points Leader): American University of Kuwait (AUK)

👟 Individual Player Awards:

• Best Men’s Soccer Player: Mahdi Yahya (AOU)

• Best Women’s Soccer Player: Awrad Sadeq (AU)

• Best Men’s Basketball Player: Yousef Al-Bolushi (AUK)

• Best Women’s Basketball Player: Nour Ali (AUK)

• Best Men’s Volleyball Player: Mohammad Al-Houli (AU)

• Best Women’s Volleyball Player: Fatima Al-Aradi (Box Hill College)

The closing ceremony, held at AUK’s Salmiya campus, was a celebration of athletic excellence and student achievement. The atmosphere was filled with pride as teams, individual athletes, and institutions were recognized for their sportsmanship and performance.

Mr. Omar Mehdi, Director of Student Life at AUK and Championship Coordinator, shared:

The success of this championship is a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and partners. Organizing this tournament from the ground up was an enormous undertaking—and AUK delivered. We are already setting plans in motion for 2026, aiming to include more sports and a broader participation base.

AUK extends its gratitude to all participating universities, athletes, referees, and volunteers for their spirited contributions.

Preparations for the 2026 KIPCO University Championship are already underway, promising more sports, more schools, and greater impact. As envisioned and executed by AUK, the KUC continues to provide a transformative platform for student-athletes across Kuwait.