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Deutsches Turnfest Opens in Leipzig After Storm-Delayed Ceremony

Flooded grounds did not stop 80,000 athletes from starting competitions in 23 disciplines under heightened security across Leipzig.

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Gäste aus ganz Deutschland beim Turnfest 2025 Leipzig
Internationales Deutsches Turnfest in Leipzig, Stadion-Gala

Overview

  • The opening ceremony, delayed by afternoon thunderstorms and mud, began after 7 p.m. on Leipzig’s Festwiese with thousands of spectators joining despite adverse weather.
  • Men’s and women’s competitions, including the European Gymnastics Championships, are underway across 23 disciplines with Germany’s women’s team clinching silver in the EM team final.
  • Police chief René Demmler confirmed deployment of 1,500 extra officers, physical barricades in the city centre and drone-defence systems to ensure safety for an expected 750,000 visitors.
  • Leipzig’s city sanitation service has rolled out mobile recycling bins made from repurposed waste and adjusted cleaning schedules to maintain a clean and sustainable event.
  • Special trains delivered Turnerbund delegations to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof as 3,500 volunteers guide athletes and visitors through over 50 venues citywide.