Sport

Hungarian Ágnes Keleti became the oldest Olympic champion of all time

Keleti Ágnes

Five-time Olympic champion Ágnes Keleti has been the world’s oldest living Olympic champion since April 2019, and as of Friday, no other Olympic champion has lived to be as old as she.

Childhood hardships

Ágnes Keleti turned 102 years and 242 days old on Friday. On this occasion, she was congratulated by Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sport, and Tamás Deutsch and Sándor Wladár, two Vice-Presidents of the Hungarian Olympic Committee.

Before Keleti, the previous record holder was also Hungarian: Sándor Tarics, who died in San Francisco in 2016 at the age of 102 years and 241 days.

Keleti, born Klein in 1921, was selected for the national team in 1938, but she was soon expelled due to the Jewish laws. She missed the 1940 and 1944 Olympics because of the war. She survived by changing her name to Piroska Juhász even if it cost all her money to acquire the documents. She was working as a maid while her father was taken away to a concentration camp and died amid horrific conditions.

For a while, Keleti toyed with the idea of becoming an Oriental cellist, but she couldn’t give up on gymnastics. In 1945, she returned to the sport, but an injury prevented her from competing in the 1948 Olympics.

Endless successes

In 1952, at the age of 31, she qualified for her first Olympics, winning the floor event and finishing fourth on beam. Her next Olympics were in Australia, where her brother immigrated.

In Melbourne, she won three gold medals, defending her title on floor, and also took first place on beam and high bar. Keleti did not return home but settled in Israel. She visited her motherland again only in 1983, and eventually moved back in the 1990s.

The former gymnast still works out every day. She eats a lot of fruit and chocolate, watches gymnastics without glasses and looks at the new talents with a critical eye, telex.hu reports.

A documentary film is also being made about Keleti’s life, in which she reflects on the future ahead instead of her difficult past. On her 100th birthday, she also showed off her brilliant sense of humour. She said that the secret of her long life is that she avoids looking in the mirror, so she can imagine herself the way and the age she wants to be.

Another famous anecdote has it that the Olympic medalist was once asked what place she would like to visit next since she’s also known for her passion for travelling. “To heaven, but that can wait,” was her witty reply.

The Thrills of Online Football Betting in the World of Online Casinos

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In the exciting world of online casinos, there’s a new trend that’s been taking the gambling community by storm – online football betting. With the advent of technology, players now have the opportunity to combine their love for casino games with the thrill of sports betting. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of online football betting, exploring its various aspects and the excitement it brings to online casino enthusiasts. We’ll also introduce you to a trusted platform for online football betting.

The Rise of Online Football Betting

Online football betting has witnessed a significant surge in popularity over recent years, thanks to the convenience and accessibility offered by online casinos. Traditional sports betting required bettors to visit physical sportsbooks or betting shops, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient. However, with the rise of online casinos and sportsbooks, players can now place bets on their favorite football teams from the comfort of their own homes.

One of the key advantages of online football betting is the wide range of betting options it offers. Whether you’re a fan of the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, or any other football league worldwide, you can find numerous betting opportunities. From predicting match outcomes to wagering on goal scorers and even live in-play betting, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

The Excitement of Live Betting

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, has become a game-changer in the world of online football betting. It allows bettors to place bets on a football match while it is in progress. This adds a whole new level of excitement to the betting experience as you can watch the game unfold and make informed decisions based on the current gameplay.

For instance, if you’re watching a closely contested football match and feel that a particular team is gaining momentum, you can place a live bet on that team to score the next goal. The odds for live betting are constantly changing, making it a dynamic and thrilling way to engage with football matches.

Choosing a Trusted Platform for Online Football Betting

When it comes to online football betting, it’s crucial to choose a trusted platform that offers a safe and secure betting environment. One such platform is 168kick.com, which provides a seamless and enjoyable betting experience. With a focus on user satisfaction and fairness, 168kick.com has gained a reputation as a reliable destination for online football betting.

The platform offers a wide range of football betting options, covering both domestic and international matches. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newbie, you’ll find a user-friendly interface and comprehensive guides to help you get started. Additionally, 168kick.com provides competitive odds and attractive promotions to enhance your betting experience.

Safety and Security

Safety is a top priority when it comes to online gambling, and 168kick.com takes this aspect seriously. The platform employs advanced security measures to protect user data and ensure fair play. With encryption technology and secure payment methods, you can trust that your personal and financial information is in safe hands.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is essential for an enjoyable betting experience. 168kick.com promotes responsible gambling practices and offers tools to help players manage their betting activities. These include setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to resources for problem gambling support.

Conclusion

Online football betting has emerged as a thrilling addition to the world of online casinos, allowing players to combine their love for casino games with the excitement of sports betting. With the convenience of online platforms like 168kick.com, betting on football matches has never been easier or more enjoyable.

So, whether you’re a die-hard football fan looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the game or a casino enthusiast exploring new horizons, online football betting is an option worth considering. Just remember to do so responsibly, choose a trusted platform like 168kick.com, and enjoy the thrills of online football betting in the world of online casinos.

World Athletics President: Budapest ready to host Olympics – UPDATED

budapest_olympics_park

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said late on Sunday that he was satisfied with the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest in all aspects, he considered Hungary ready to host the Olympics and personally encouraged the country to bid.

Coe told an international press conference that the World Athletics Championships had been hosted by Budapest at the highest quality. “This is an ambitious city, this is an ambitious country, and I have no reason to doubt they would put up a very credible bid,” he said commenting on a potential bid by Budapest to host the Olympics.

“I can’t remember a better atmosphere at a world championship,” he added. Coe said most international ticket saled had gone to British, German, US, French and Spanish fans and more than half a billion people followed the events over television during the first half of the championships.

State secretary for sports Adam Schmidt told the event that he hoped the many sports diplomats and sports managers who attended the world championships and personally experienced its quality in Budapest would support Hungary’s endeavour to host the Olympics.

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 UPDATE – Government: World Athletics Championships shows ‘global success of joining forces’ (11.19 am)

The World Athletics Championships in Budapest showed the global success of joining forces, the co-leader of the organining committee said on Monday. Balázs Fürjes told MTI that the success of the “largest ever sports event in Hungary” was also demonstrated by the main figures.

Over 2,200 athletes from 195 countries competed at the event and the number of trainers and additional team members was well above 5,000, he said. Some 2,500 Hungarian volunteers offered their services to fans and participants, with fans coming from more than 120 countries, he added.

The number of tickets sold was above 400,000, exceeding the expectation of the World Athletics international organisation, he said. During the nine days of the championships, the average occupancy of the events venue was over 95 percent during the evening finals and the majority of finals were sold out, he said. Furjes said on Facebook earlier on Monday that in agreement with WA president Sebastian Coe, he had proposed granting an International Fair Play award to the volunteers who assisted at events during the championships.

VIDEO: Shocking accident involving athletes at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest

Shocking accident World Athletics Championships Budapest

A shocking accident happened in Budapest yesterday evening, involving numerous athletes outside Hungary’s brand-new national athletics centre.

We know exactly what happened because the collision between two buggies carrying athletes from the training courts to the athletics centre was recorded by surveillance cameras. One assistant fell out from a buggy, and 200m athletes suffered minor injuries. Based on the video shared, it seems something hit Andrew Hudson’s eyes in the collision, 444.hu wrote. To our mind, not the accident itself was shocking but how it happened. It seems as if the drivers of the buggies did not recognize each other, as if they did not concentrate on the road but something distracted their attention.

However, the Jamaican athlete continued the program and finished at 5th place. He said his legs were hurt in the collision and added that shards of glass went into his eyes. Therefore, the organisers allowed him to compete in today’s finals as 9th. Here is the video:

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Traffic rules change due to the accident

After the collision, the organisers of the third biggest sports event in the world reduced the speed limit around the national athletics centre. It was 19 km/h before, but it has been reduced to 15 km/h. Moreover, a physical separation will be created between the two lanes. From Friday dawn, there will be traffic controllers in the junctions. Because of the accident, the buggy drivers were sent on a 2-day rest. The organisers expressed their apologies for the accident.

PM Orbán: World Athletics Championships ‘one of the best in the world’

The World Athletics Championships currently under way in Budapest and the arena hosting it are among the best in the world, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in an interview on public radio on Friday. Athletes will spread the good reputation of Hungary worldwide, he said. “Foreigners are now saying we are good hosts, that this is a decent country where everyone is welcome, a friendly country, and . one where the Christian roots of love can still be found,” he said.

The arenas built for sports also serve as venues for other kinds of evens, he said. Puskas Arena saw more concerts this year than football matches, so “the whining about money being squandered and about this being only about sports and the personal hobby of a few people, including the prime minister, is just not true,” he said. Sports venues are community spaces serving all “well-meaning Hungarians” by hosting concerts, conferences and “other huge events”, he said. “The cultural products of the western world don’t stop at Vienna any more, they come to Budapest too,” he added.

Organiser: World Athletics Championship Budapest to become a worldwide success

world athletics championships budapest

The World Athletics Championship, currently at its half-way point in Budapest, will be a worldwide success “if we can muster all our energy to remain organised”, Balázs Fürjes, co-leader of the organising committee, told the website mandiner.hu on Thursday.

Some 50 Hungarian athletes have competed so far, and many have set national records, he said to Mandiner.

He praised the 2,500 volunteers “who also represent our country”. Citing President Katalin Novák, he said: “It’s good that we can organise and experience a world championship in unity.”

Noting that in 2019 the freshly elected city leadership vowed to ban “world championships, track and field centres and attempts to brownfield sites to green areas”, Fürjes said that “a movement was then launched to save the event”. Fürjes led the negotiations with the municipality as the state secretary for the development of Budapest at the time, and managed to reach an agreement, he said.

Weeks before the event, Mayor Gergely Karácsony said the government had broken its word, and he threatened to mount a demonstration against the championship. “I think it is good for everyone that that didn’t happen … common sense prevailed,” Fürjes said.

As part of the deal, the government pledged to allocate an annual HUF 50 billion (EUR 130.5 million) for five years to Budapest district authorities participating in its Healthy Budapest programme. The 9th district received HUF 20 billion (EUR 52 million) for related developments. Government funding could be up to HUF 7 billion (EUR 18.2 million) this year, and negotiations are ongoing about further funding, he said.

The event has drawn some 2,200 athletes from 202 countries, and some 300,000 tickets have already been sold, he said. World Athletics says some 1 billion viewers around the world are watching on TV and streaming services, he said. The event has also resulted in some 500,000 guest nights in Hungarian hotels and billions in revenues for retailers and the hospitality industry, he added.

The Budapest transport company (BKK) said earlier that traffic in the city will be restricted on August 26 and 27 due to marathons. Thoroughfares such as Dózsa György Street and Andrássy Boulevard will be closed from 4 AM on Saturday and Sunday, until 11 AM and 12.30 PM, respectively, the statement said. Dózsa György Street will also be closed on Sunday evening, they said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gergely Karácsony and World Athletics head Sebastian Coe greeted Ukrainian athletes at City Hall, marking the 32th anniversary of Ukrainian independence and the 150th anniversary of Budapest’s unification. Coe awarded World Athletics gongs to high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh and long and triple jumper Marina Bekh-Romanchuk.

Pay attention: Extraordinary measures introduced at World Athletics Championships Budapest

World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023

The organising committee of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest held an extraordinary press conference on Monday afternoon. Balázs Németh, CEO of the committee, said that extraordinary measures had been introduced due to the heat hitting the country right now.

Extraordinary measures introduced

At the press conference, Balázs Németh said that in view of the heat, the organisers of the World Athletics Championships will provide free water to visitors both inside and outside the stadium, Index reports. The CEO added that unlike other mass events, this time security will not confiscate water bottles and flasks, so you can take your drinks into the grandstands.

In addition to all this, the organisers will also be giving away fans. It is also important to note that on the days when there is a morning programme at the World Championships, those with a valid ticket for a sunny seat will be allowed to pass through to the shaded areas.

Balázs Németh also said that the races would not be affected by the heat. However, he added that two athletes had heatstroke on Sunday. Neither of them had to go to hospital after receiving the necessary treatment on the spot.

World Athletics Championships Budapest

The World Championship started last Saturday and runs until this Sunday. The prestigious sporting event, the biggest ever in Hungary, started with a huge storm, Index writes. The start of the first event, the men’s 20-kilometre walk, was delayed by two hours, while the morning programme at the main venue, the National Athletics Centre, started an hour later.

By the afternoon, however, the weather had improved. The clouds had cleared and the conditions were ideal for the athletes, although the humid air did cause some difficulties. On Sunday, the weather and temperatures were typical of the summer months for athletes and spectators alike.

On the second day of the World Championships, the 63-man Hungarian team won its first medal: Bence Halász finished third in the men’s hammer throw.

The medal ceremony will take place at 5:40 PM on Monday at the Medal Plaza in the park of the National Athletics Centre.

PHOTOS: Hungary won its first medal at the World Athletics Championships!

Hungary won its first medal
Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday evening received foreign leaders visiting Hungary on the occasion of the August 20 national holiday and the World Athletics Championships at Budapest’s new National Athletics Centre, the PM’s press office reported. Furthermore, Hungary won its first medal at the World Athletics Championships! Check out our photos below.
The high-rankig politicians and senior businessmen were invited to watch events of the World Athletics Championships. Here are some photos:
Results of finals held at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Sunday:

 

    Men’s 100 m:

1. Noah Lyles (USA) 9:82 sec

2. Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) 9:88

3. Zharnel Hughes (UK) 9:88

    Men’s 10,000 m:

1. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) 27:51:42 min

2. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (Kenya) 27:52:60

3. Selemon Bariega (Ethiopia) 27:52:72

    Men’s Hammer Throw:

1. Ethan Katzberg (Canada) 81:25 m

2. Wojciech Nowicki (Poland) 81:02

    3. Bence Halász (Hungary) 80:82

Hungary won its first medal
Bence Halász. Photo: MTI

 

    Women’s Long-Jump:1. Ivana Vuleta (Serbia) 7:14 m2. Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA) 6:91

3. Alina Rotaru-Kottmann (Romania) 6:88

Heptathlon

1. Katarina Jonhson-Thompson (UK) 6,740 points

2. Anna Hall (USA) 6,720

3. Anouk Vetter (Netherlands) 6,501

    Women Race Walk 20 km

1. Maria Perez (Spain) 1:26:51 hours

2. Jemima Montag (Australia) 1:27:16

3. Antonella Palmisano (Italy) 1:27:26

PHOTOS, VIDEO: World Athletics Championships in Budapest began

Hungary Budapest World Athletics Championships

In the shadow of the war in Ukraine, “the role of sports as a peace promoting force is appreciated”, President Katalin Novák said in her address at the opening ceremony of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Saturday.

Noble and fair fight

“Through sport, we can also experience what it feels like to engage in a noble and fair fight with each other,” the president said. “And it is a good idea to compete in the same way, on the basis of mutual respect, also in other aspects of our lives, ” she added. “The World Athletics Championships are primarily about outstanding athletic performance,” Novák said. “But for us, Hungarians, they mean more than that. We celebrate elite sport and casual sport — as casual sport is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle — both at the same time”.

“We need sports and sports competitions in good, as well as in more difficult times. Because such an event lifts you up, and moves you away from daily problems,” she said. Novák thanked President Sebastian Coe and World Athletics for their vote of confidence. “I promise we will be worthy of it,” she said. “Why Budapest?” Novák posed the question.

Standing guard here in the heart of Europe

“Because we Hungarians have been standing guard here in the heart of Europe for a thousand years. In fact, we will celebrate the Day of St. Stephen, our founding king, tomorrow, thanks to whom Hungary embarked on the path of Western Christianity,” she said. “Because we guarantee high competition standards and a safe environment for participants and visitors of the World Championships. Because in addition to Budapest being on the world’s culture and tourism map, our country has hosted over forty European and World Championships and international sporting finals in the last ten years,” Novák said.

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The grand opening:

“Because we want always to go above and beyond. We fulfil the tasks of hosting with heartfelt enthusiasm, and with the creativity Hungarians are known for, relying on a broad social cooperation that we have successfully achieved,” the president said. Novák thanked all those who put in place the conditions and provided the support necessary for the World Championships. “It is commendable when we can show unity,” she said.

“And as we have a reputation for being exceptional hosts, we would like you to have an enjoyable time in our country. We would like the athletes to give the best performance of their lives. And beyond the sporting experience, we hope our guests will get a taste of our national culture, our beautiful capital, the kind and open nature of the Hungarian people, and our world-famous cuisine! To make sure that you will have a good time with us, we will show you the best we can be, and become who we ourselves would like to be,” the president added.

Hungarians love challenges

She noted that the Hungarian capital “will be in the spotlight for nine days”. “Two hundred participating countries, thousands of athletes, tens of thousands of foreign spectators, hundreds of thousands of fans on site and millions in front of their screens,” she said.

“Because we Hungarians love challenges, and seek out and take advantage of opportunities,” she added. Novák also noted that “as a heritage from our Olympic bid we have built the Ferencvaros Leisure and Sports Park, including the new athletics centre.” “Rust was turned to gold here. Life returned to the banks of the Danube. I am proud that the organisers have also made it possible for the disadvantaged to cheer in person. I am proud that while one of Europe’s largest popular music festivals has just ended in Budapest, we can show that a festival atmosphere can also be created around a sporting event. I am proud that hundreds of thousands have been encouraged to participate in sports through the world championships.”

“And I am proud of the organisers, including the volunteers, thanks to whom we can be here today,” Novák said, wishing athletes a fair, injury-free and successful competition.

World Athletics Championships results – Day 1

Results of finals held at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Saturday:

Men’s 20 km Race Walk:

1. Alvaro Martin (ESP) 1:17:32 hours

2. Perseus Karlstrom (SWE) 1:17:39

3. Caio Bonfim (BRA) 1:17:47

 

Men’s Shot Put:

1. Ryan Crouser (USA) 23.51 m

2. Leonardo Fabbri (ITA) 22.34

3. Joe Kovacs (USA) 22.12

 

Women’s 10,000 m:

1. Gudaf Tsegay (ETH) 31:27.18 min

2. Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) 31:28.16

3. Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) 31:28.31

 

Mixed 4×400 m Relay:

1. United States 3:08.80 min – World record

2. Britain 3:11.06

3. Czechia 3:11.98

23-hour marathon: Get half-price tickets for the World Athletics Championships Budapest!

national athletics centre

Tickets are on sale for 23 hours on Friday for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. The sporting event starts on Saturday.

Ticket marathon for the World Athletics Championships

So far, more than 300,000 tickets have been sold and spectators from 106 countries are expected to attend the world’s third biggest sporting event, Index reports.

Balázs Németh, CEO of Budapest 2023 Non-profit Plc., the organiser of the Championships, announced on Thursday evening that from Friday midnight to 11 PM, tickets for the event will be available with a 50 percent discount for category 3 and 4 tickets, which are for the upper section of the stadium.

Tickets for the morning programme will cost a uniform price of HUF 2023 (EUR 5.27) during the promotion period.

Hungary’s biggest sporting event

“The World Athletics Championships are a sporting event of surprises and experiences, but also of gestures, and we have been organising them from the very beginning with the aim of ensuring that as many people as possible can see the wonder of the superhero fight and the programmes that make this nine-day sporting event an exciting and entertaining addition. These are the ideas behind the 23-hour ticket marathon: we encourage those who have not yet had the chance to do so to take advantage of this opportunity and join us at Hungary’s biggest sporting event ever!” Németh underscored.

During the marathon, tickets are available HERE by clicking on the Jegymaraton (ticket marathon) button.

The biggest sporting event in Hungary’s history, with the largest ever Hungarian team of 63, will be held at the National Athletics Centre from Saturday to next Sunday, with the street running and walking events taking place in Heroes’ Square, Index writes.

What to know about the upcoming World Athletics Championships

What to Know About the Upcoming World Athletics Championships Budapest Hungary

Every year, there are several major sporting events that draw international attention. Whether it is the World Cup, Olympic Games, Champions League Final, or the Super Bowl, these events are enjoyed by millions around the world, screened on countless televisions, and covered with odds and gambling favourites on all the best betting sites. This year, one of those major events will be held in Hungary.

Hungary will be hosting the World Athletics Championships, a spectacular event that will draw the attention of the global community. It will feature sports performed at the highest levels, with renowned athletes in a variety of sports competing to make history and make their nations proud. There is much to know about this event, so let’s dive into the details of the World Athletics Championships.

Date and Location

 The 2023 World Athletic Championships will be held from August 19th, 2023, to August 27th, 2023. The games will take place in Budapest at the National Athletics Centre, a large venue that was built specifically for the purpose of this competition.

What is the World Athletics Championships?

The World Athletics Championship is a tournament that is held every two years. It takes place at different locations around the world. It first began in 1983 and has become considered the top level of competition for men’s and women’s track and field. The winners at these events are considered the reigning world champions, so it brings out the best of the best in a variety of different sports.

The events that are held at the World Athletics Championship are similar to what one would expect to see at the Olympics. Field events like discus, shot put, and javelin throw, as well as track events like the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 400 metres, are just some of the numerous competitions that will be held at the World Athletics Championship.

The World Athletics Championships will be available to watch on several different channels. Viewers in the United States will watch the games on NBC Sports. For Europe and Africa, the events will be showcased on Eurovision Sport and ESPN. Streaming channel Discovery+ will stream the events live in many locations across Europe.

This event will be the first time that Hungary has hosted the World Athletics Championships. In 2007, Budapest was one of the host cities that were under consideration for hosting the event but eventually withdrew, and Osaka was selected instead. It will be a great showcase for the city and country, which will bring in a large number of visitors to take in the events. It is expected that Hungarian President Katalin Novak will open the ceremonies when everything gets started midway through August.

There will be a substantial number of countries represented in the proceedings. One hundred four different nations have won medals at the World Athletics Championships over the course of its history. The leading nations are the United States, Kenya, Russia, and Germany. Hungary ranks 75th, having achieved seven silver medals and seven bronze medals, although they have never won a gold.

There are many famous athletes who have made their mark at this tournament. Usain Bolt won 11 gold medals at the World Athletic Championships, making him the most decorated activity in the history of the games. Mo Farah, the British distance runner, has won six golds and two silvers. Famous female athletes who have performed well at these games include Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Allyson Felix.

The 2023 World Athletics Championships will be a massive spectacle that will bring the world’s attention to Hungary and the many athletes who will perform there. At a brand new venue with the greatest track and field stars in the world going at it, it should be an unforgettable occasion.

Liverpool should repeat Dominik Szoboszlai trick in order to solve two dilemmas with one transfer

Dominik Szoboszlai English star club

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the most exciting breakout stars of the last few years in the Premier League and the England international has firmly nailed down his place as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice right-back over the last couple of seasons. Thankfully for Liverpool fans, the 24-year-old has remained largely injury-free and although James Milner has occasionally deputised, TAA has been a mainstay of the XI. Unfortunately, the club isn’t blessed with options in this department, and with Milner having left the club this summer, the Reds desperately need reinforcements in this area of the pitch.

Connor Bradley has impressed during pre-season and has been ‘toughened-up’ by his spell with Bolton in League One and if Alexander-Arnold is to gradually make the transition into midfield, the Northern Irishman could be the perfect successor. Nevertheless, Klopp is still searching for another option in this department, and dipping back into the Salzburg pond may be the best option. The Reds are looking for an affordable option and raiding the Austrian club isn’t likely to break the bank.

The two clubs have an existing relationship, which is likely to make negotiations a little easier and Salzburg’s Bosnian right-back Amar Dedic appears to fit the bill. The Reds have looked sharp going forward during pre-season, however, they’ve conceded plenty of goals and although the addition of a right-back isn’t likely to cut out individual errors, it should help them to become far less vulnerable from the flanks.

The 20-year-old is an ideal age and with plenty of improvement still to come, Dedic could be a wise investment. He is quick and direct and is adept with both feet. Liverpool is coming off the back of an underwhelming campaign and fans will be expecting a much-improved movement this time around. Online betting sites such as FanDuel sportsbook have priced up the Reds as third favourites for the Premier League title, and although the signing of a reliable right-back isn’t likely to catapult them to the top of the betting, punters could potentially look on them a little more favourably ahead of their season opener against Chelsea.

Dedic is already showing leadership qualities and has the potential to become a household name in the top flight. He is exceptional in 1vs1 situations and has the athleticism to get up and down the pitch. He posted excellent numbers in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and his versatility would be a huge asset. The Bosnian can also play left-back if required and his capture would allow the attack-minded Alexander-Arnold to move permanently into midfield.

Will this be the season that Willi Orbán finally gets his hands on the Bundesliga Trophy?

football field ball

Fans of German football could be forgiven for fearing another Groundhog Day moment during the 2023/24 season. Bayern Munich have now won the Bundesliga title for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years, maintaining their dominance of the beautiful game in Germany.

However, the 2022/23 campaign was the first in some time that Bayern really started to show some vulnerabilities, and with RB Leipzig – led by Hungarian defender Willi Orbán – finishing either second or third in five of the last seven seasons, they and Borussia Dortmund appear to be closing in.

Could Orbán be hoisting the Bundesliga trophy skyward come next May?

Pretenders to the Throne

According to the outright sports betting odds for the Bundesliga, it will be business as usual with Bayern the -333 favorite ahead of Dortmund (+500) and Leipzig (+700).

However, that does little to reflect the trials and tribulations that Bayern faced in 2022/23, with the sacking of Julian Nagelsmann and the nerve-shredding action of the final day of the campaign.

The title was, in theory, in Dortmund’s hands – they needed to defeat Mainz to end Bayern’s domination of the trophy. But the Yellow and Blacks went two goals down inside the opening half hour, and while they pulled it back to 2-2, there was nothing they could do to prevent the Munich outfit’s 2-1 victory against Koln.

As for Orbán’s Leipzig, they were well in the hunt too before three defeats in four games in March and April ultimately ended their hopes of a maiden Bundesliga crown. However, seven wins in their final eight games was a reminder of how close Marco Rose’s team is to finally getting their hands on the trophy.

In Transition

The elephant in the room for RB Leipzig is that they are considered a ‘selling club’ – that is, they identify some of Europe’s top talents at a young age, develop them into fine players and then sell them for a tidy profit.

 

That’s a business model that keeps accountants happy but it doesn’t always lend itself to sustained success on the pitch, with Leipzig expected to lose three of their best young players in the summer transfer window – Christopher Nkunku, who delivered 20 goal involvements in 2022/23, is just one of the key assets to depart.

In time-honored fashion, Leipzig has gone out and sorted even younger, unheralded replacements – including a couple off their conveyor belt of talent at feeder club Red Bull Salzburg.

Unfortunately, it probably means that Leipzig heads into the new campaign weaker than they did the last, which is perhaps in contrast to their main rivals – Bayern has snapped up powerful defender Min-Jae Kim, Raphael Guerreiro, and Konrad Laimer (from RB, no less), while Dortmund has bolstered their ranks with Marcel Sabitzer.

 

Perhaps Orbán’s best hope of silverware in this coming campaign is the German Cup, which he was won twice already as a Leipzig player – handing the Hungarian his finest moments in the beautiful game.

One thing, for sure, is that the 30-year-old captain will continue to give his all for his team’s cause.

Traffic changes due to World Athletics Championships Budapest

World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023

International interest towards the World Athletics Championships (WAC) Budapest will host this month is huge, tickets have already been purchased in almost a hundred countries for the largest sporting event in Hungary’s history, the CEO of the company organising the championships said on Tuesday.

“Up until today, tickets have been sold in 99 countries. We expect around 50,000 foreign visitors to come to Budapest exclusively to watch the championships who will spend some 200,000 guest nights here,” Balázs Németh told a press conference.

“As we have already said, close to one billion people will watch the TV broadcasts around the world, and we want all those on the other side of the globe to see that Hungary, and its capital city Budapest, is one of the world’s best places,” he said in central Erzsebet Square, where a huge countdown board has been set up showing the number of days left until August 19, the start of the event.

“We have placed this board here, on this square because we will open on August 19 a Fan Zone here as well, in addition to the one to be set up at the National Athletics Centre, the venue of the championships,” said Németh. In the two fan zones, visitors will have the opportunity to try athletics games, he added.

Preparations for the WAC-related traffic restrictions are under way, he said, asking residents for their understanding.

“We have set the world’s most beautiful route for the marathon run in the WAC,” Németh said, noting that its start and finish point would be at Heroes’ Square.

“The athletes would run the 10km course along Andrássy Avenue, pass the Hungarian Academy of Sciences to cross the just reopening landmark Chain Bridge to arrive at Várkert Bazaar from where they would make their way back along the same route,” Németh said.

Traffic changes (see English below Hungarian):

He noted that an all-new never-before-used technology, a cable camera would be operated at a height of 40 metres for the transmission of images about Budapest “above and about us, Hungarians, as never seen before”.

At a press conference on Monday, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said that the record-laden athletics season had convinced him that this month’s world championships could be the best of all time in terms of performance, and he was confident there would be big crowds in Budapest “to witness the action”.

The event, the third biggest sporting event in the world, is taking place between August 19-27. It will host 2,000 athletes from 200 countries and 3,000 journalists with news coverage reaching some one billion people worldwide.

PM Orbán wants more Hungarian clubs reaching the level of Fradi

Fradi

The Puskás Academy has a responsibility to develop soccer players with whom Hungarian soccer can make its way back to the world’s top ranks, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the academy’s founder, said in an interview with the academy’s website.

The academy’s job is to bring the best out of the talent who are admitted there, Orbán said in the interview published on his YouTube channel on Thursday. One of the biggest challenges of Hungarian soccer is the development of talent below the age of 12-13, he said, noting that players tended to develop a number of skills by the age of 12 that they later could not.

The prime minister said Hungarian soccer was “not part of the entertainment industry”, but a part of Hungarian national identity. “We’re not looking to have fun and clap from the grandstands for talented players from faraway lands; we want to see our own children,” he said. “If we give that up then Hungarian soccer becomes pointless.” Orbán said this was why the aim was for the Puskas Academy to have both great international players whom young talent could look up to, but also home-grown talent.

Another challenge for the academy, he said, was when home-developed players were poached by foreign teams. He added, however, that Hungarian soccer needed its best talents to play in the top leagues around the world “so that they can better serve the national team”.

Concerning Ferencváros’s (Fradi’s) recent 0-3 loss to Faroese club Klaksvikar Itrottarfelag in the first qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League, Orbán said the defeat demonstrated a “big problem” in Hungarian soccer. “It’s a big lesson because inexplicable things happen all the time in soccer, and it isn’t good when there’s only one serious internationally reputable team, because if that one falls then we’re left without a serious big team,” he said. “That’s why we need one or two more with budgets, player quality and international ratings similar to those of Ferencváros.” But, he added, the Puskas Academy could not be the one to fill that role because its mission was to get talented players to Hungary’s first division, the national team and international leagues.

After a dramatic final, Hungarian men’s water polo team reaches the finals and qualifies for the Olympics

Hungarian water polo

The Hungarian men’s water polo team defeated the defending champion Spain 12-11 to reach the final of the Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships and qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics.

The Hungarians have thus maintained their unbeaten record against Spain in major world competitions (Olympics, World Cup, European Championship) since 1998.

In the last minute of the tie, Spain had a man advantage but missed a shot. With a few seconds left, Krisztián Manhercz fired a shot from an acute angle and the ball went under the arm of the Spanish goalkeeper and crossed the goal line at the last moment.

Zsolt Varga’s team will face the Greek team, who are the Olympic champions, in the final on Saturday.

Men’s water polo tournament, semi-final:
Hungary-Spain 12-11 (3-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-3)

VIDEO: Hungarian freediver Korok sets world record in free immersion!

fatima korok world recorder freedive

Hungary’s Fatima Korok has set a world record in freediving at this year’s Vertical Blue competition held at the Bahamas, the event’s website said on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old Hungarian athlete triumphed by diving 102 metres deep on a single breath in free immersion (FIM), spending 3.47 minutes under water. Fatima Korok bested the record set by Italy’s Alessia Zecchini who dived 101 metres deep in 2021.

“I enjoyed the dive, I felt I was in control. Actually, my dive was five seconds faster than I expected. I know the time seems a bit long, but that’s my style, that’s how I dive. I would like to thank my sponsor and my family for their support. Mom, Dad, I did it! And thank you to everyone who cheered me on. It’s a huge thing, I’m about to cry,” she said after the world record.

Her Facebook post celebrating the world record:

Her dive is shown at 2:51:30 and the interview with her can be seen at 3:28:05 in the video below:

PHOTOS: World Aquatics headquarters moves to Budapest

World Aquatics Headquarters

The World Aquatics (WA) Congress, formerly known as Fina, has approved the board’s proposal to move its headquarters to Budapest, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Fukuoka, Japan, on Tuesday.

Addressing the congress, Szijjártó welcomed the decision, adding that Budapest already provided a home to two international sports associations and ten international organisations, eight of them linked to the United Nations, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The government will provide WA’s site free of charge for 15 years, as well as tax exemptions and tax cuts, and negotiations on infrastructural upgrades will also be undertaken, he said.

Hungary has always punched above its weight in aquatics, he said, noting that the country was one of the organisation’s founders in 1908 and has won 37 Olympic gold medals in swimming and nine in water polo over the years. He also said Hungary was proud that after hosting events in 2017 and 2022, the country will again be the venue of the World Aquatics Championships in 2027, reaching a “treble” within ten years.

After signing the agreement on moving the HQ from Lausanne, Switzerland, Szijjártó received an honour from president Husain Al-Musallam for his work in promoting aquatic sports.

F1: Norris smashes Verstappen’s unique artwork trophy, generous offer received

Formula 1 Hungaroring 2023 Budapest

Max Verstappen was presented with a special handmade Herendi trophy after his Hungarian Grand Prix victory on Sunday, but as we reported, Lando Norris smashed the unique relic. The CEO of Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra Ltd, Attila Simon, announced on M4 Sport that the trophy would be replaced.

This time, the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix podium winners were again presented with beautiful Herendi porcelains after the race. However, once the champagne was served, they completely forgot about the elaborate pieces placed on the podium steps. Second place Lando Norris, as usual, shook the champagne by knocking it against the podium and the winning trophy fell off its place and shattered into pieces.

The McLaren team apologised for their driver’s behaviour.

The first prize Herendi porcelain was made by 30 people over six months and has an estimated value of €40,000. As Red Bull displays all their trophies in their Milton Keynes showcase, they would have been forced to order a similar one, but a generous announcement was made by the porcelain manufacturer.

“It is with great regret that we learned yesterday that the beautiful Herendi trophy, a handmade work of art, was damaged. It is the result of nearly six months of work, more than thirty people have been working on it, and we were very sorry to see that this was the fate of our artwork. But we believe, and Herendi Porcelain Manufactory is a company that plays a key role in building the country’s image, that we will replace the trophy for the first-place winner, and while the teams decide who was at fault and who was not, we will take on the joyful and heavy burden of doing so,”

said Attila Simon, CEO.