This morning was held at the Ludovika Arena the press event to spread the news about to the forthcoming Hungarian Pentathlon international competition.
Ludovika Campus – April 23-28, Budapest will be the host to the third stop of the 2024 five-a-side World Cup series.
The competition package consisting of 4+1 events basically determines the positions that can be acquiring in the world rankings, which will ultimately be worth an Olympic quota.
Gábor Balogh – President of the Hungarian Pentathlon Association (MÖSZ), emphasized in his opening speech, that Hungary is bidding for the 2027 Pentathlon World Championships which will be an Olympic qualification competition. this will also be discussed with Klaus Schormann – President of the International Pentathlon Federation, who is visiting our country next week. Last but not least was told by him the MÖSZ is preparing a new strategy, which is expected to be ready – in force in July, as the sport itself will be renewed, and after the Olympics from January 2025, the organization will form cooperation on new foundations, focusing on new Pentathlon elements … OCR (Obstackle Course Racing), and hopefully will improve the organization of supply.
Another fresh flash news by the president was made, that Hungary is bidding to be hold in the year 2027 the Pentathlon World Cup, which will be an Olympic qualification competition as well. The timing is also fortunate, as the Hungarian pentathlon will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary.
Attila Mizsér – General secretary of the organization, explained the importance of the World Cup and the domestic expectations. The competition package consisting of 4+1 events which basically determines the place in the world ranking positions that will ultimately be worth an Olympic quota. Domestic competitors are the rules according to which, instead of four, six per gender can enter the competition, the two that can be obtained for departure to Paris. Was said – expecting 160 athletes from 40 countries coming to Hungary to participate in the World Cup adding, that the cream of today’s top five, among others, the Olympic silver medalist and the winner of this year’s first World Cup Ahmed Elgendy, world leader Mohanad Shaban, two-time defending world champion Elena Micheli and the defending European champion Giorgio Malan on the spot in the competition.
The general secretary detailed the program: the women’s qualifiers will be held on Tuesday and the men’s on Wednesday, followed by the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday in the same order, the women’s finals on Saturday morning, the men’s finals in the afternoon, and the mixed relay competition on Sunday afternoon. He added that the fencing of the semi-final athletes will be held a day earlier compared to the other numbers, and on Sunday morning a make-up competition will be organized – since last year, the young age groups have been training on an obstacle course instead of riding.
Michelle Gulyás – multiple prize-winning pentathlete competing in the World Cup reported the gratifying fact that her preparation is going well, she feels that she is in better shape than before the World Cup held in Cairo.
Csaba Bőhm – men’s medalist pentathlon, said that the men’s field is very high-level, among others the Egyptians are coming with very strong competitors, but the French and the British have a chance
too. At the same time, he noted that his preparation is going well, and although he was sick after Cairo, he has now recovered and is looking forward to the competition.
The Secretary General highlighted that for the first time in Budapest, there will be a family and sports festival at the same time. Within the framework of the Fan Zone, many activities related to the pentathlon, such as … mini-orientation to the light hunter, target shooting, ninja wall, electric stabbing pad, child-compatible OCR, laser shooting, face painting, angry birds, cornhole, pen, giant bubble blower, unique tattoo prinker or reflex game. All ages are guaranteed to find something to enjoy, relax, watching the sporty competitions during the week-end festival which can be visited for free of charge!
In the closing speech, an invitation call to sporty lovers to the Ludovika Arena … especially for the finals on Saturday, to support the Hungarian excellence together!
Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 