CUSI has been renamed FederCUSI after being recognised as an official sports federation ©EUSA

The Italian University Sport Centre (CUSI) has been recognised as national sporting federation by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and as such has changed its name to the Italian Federation of University Sports (FederCUSI).

A ceremony was held at the Giulio Onesti Hall of Honour where the Extraordinary Federal Assembly unanimously approved the organisation's new statute with 39 votes.

"It is a success for all, thank you to all sports institutions," said FederCUSI President Antonio Dima.

"Together and united we can go far! 

"Merit also to the people who preceded me."

It is said to be a memorable step for the Italian university sport movement after years of investment in athletes, events and facilities.

Italy recently held the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games in Naples in 2019 which was its fifth time hosting the multi-sport event after the 1959, 1970, 1975, and 1997 editions.

CONI President Giovanni Malagò, right, was present at the ceremony which saw FederCUSI become one of Italy's 46 official National Federations ©EUSA
CONI President Giovanni Malagò, right, was present at the ceremony which saw FederCUSI become one of Italy's 46 official National Federations ©EUSA

Turin is also preparing to stage the 2025 Winter FISU Games for what is set to be the seventh Italian hosting.

CONI President Giovanni Malagò, FISU Executive Committee member Lorenzo Lentini and treasurer of the European University Sports Association were all present at the event.

"It is an important step for University Sports," said Malagò.

"FederCUSI is the result of vision, ideas, methods and peculiarities.

"You are bearers of many sporting needs, but also social, cultural and civil ones.

"Welcome FederCusi!

"We are 46 with you: long live CONI, long live university sport, long live Italy!"