The UPN Was Crowned Women’s Futsal Champion at the 2026 Higher Education Games

Last Friday, May 8, at the Cayetano Cañizares Coliseum in Bogotá, the women ‘s futsal grand final of the 2026 Higher Education Games took place. The tournament was organized by the District Institute of Recreation and Sports. In this important match, the representative team of the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional was crowned champion after defeating Universidad Sergio Arboleda 4-1.

The tournament featured eight higher education institutions and represented a new competitive experience for the UPN team, which traditionally participate in university tournaments such as ASCUN, CERROS and the State University System (SUE). The invitation extended by the IDRD allowed students to take on a new sporting challenge in settings different from their usual ones.
José Leonardo Cristiano Fontecha, coach of the women’s futsal team, highlighted the player’s commitment and discipline throughout the entire process:

“The players manage their time very well to fulfill both their academic responsibilities and their commitments to the team. We were able to fully commit to this tournament and take it on with full responsibility”.

The championship lasted two weeks and saw UPN compete against universities and institutions such as SENA and other university delegations from the city. The UPN team had an outstanding performance: it finished the tournament undefeated, won all its matches during regular time and topped its group in the initial stage.
In the semifinals, the UPN defeated SENA and advanced to the grand final held at the Iconic Cayetano Cañizares Coliseum, considered one of the most important futsal venues in the city. There, the team demonstrated solidity and determination to claim the title.

“The beginning was evenly matched. We managed to score first, then the equalizer came, but the team quickly found its rhythm and scored the goals that closed out the tournament in the best possible way”, the coach stated.

Beyond the sporting result, Professor José Leonardo Cristiano highlighted the educational value of sports practice for the students:
“It is not only about receiving professional training, but also about practicing the sport they are passionate about. Sports shape human beings, strengthen collaboration, solidarity, and a sense of belonging to the institution”. He also highlighted the team’s cohesion and camaraderie, as well as the constant support from the player’s families throughout the tournament. He even recalled emotional moments that further strengthened the unity of the team amid difficult personal situations faced by some of the players.

The coach also underlined the role of university sports as an opportunity to raise the university’s profile in a positive light:

“These young women work incredibly hard for their sport and represent the institution in the best possible way. Through sports, we show the positive side of the university and break many stereotypes. Many people approach us to ask about the academic programs and how to apply to UPN after watching the team play”.

The Universidad Pedagógica Nacional recognizes and celebrates the effort, discipline, and commitment of its students-athletes and coaching staff, who continue to bring honor to the University at various collegiate sporting events across the country.