SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The 2026 Dominican University Sports Games officially opened Friday, bringing together more than 2,300 athletes from 23 higher-education institutions across the country.

The competition features 16 sports, including basketball, baseball, football, athletics, volleyball, swimming, judo, karate, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, weightlifting and beach volleyball.

The opening ceremony was led by Vice President Raquel Peña and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz, who highlighted the role of university sports in combining athletic competition with education and student development.

Competitions are being held at several venues in Santo Domingo, including the Palacio del Voleibol, UNPHU, Club Deportivo Naco, Güibia and Eugenio María de Hostos parks, and Club Calero.

The three-weekend event runs through October 18, giving university athletes from across the Dominican Republic an opportunity to compete in a national multi-sport setting.