Canoeing, rowing, karate, shooting, wrestling and handball have all been removed from the programme, which now consists of the event's compulsory sports, athletics basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, judo, gymnastics, diving, swimming and water polo along with taekwondo and archery.

 

The International University Sports Federation (FISU), who organise the event, were hoping to celebrate its 60th anniversary in Belgrade with the largest Universiade in its history.

 

However its Executive Committee have decided that due to this global financial turmoil they needed to make cuts in the event which is due to be held between July 1 and 12, 2009.

 

FISU president George Killian said: "I fully realise the disappointment this will cause to those student-athletes involved in the above .

 

"Therefore, our members' support of this tough FISU EC decision will be very much appreciated in order to help our Serbian friends in these troubled times to continue with the preparation for a slimmer Universiade."