Sport

Interview with Hungarian university student who won the Olympics in Paris

Dávid Nagy university student Olympics Paris

Last weekend, Dávid Nagy, a student of the Faculty of Economics and Management, won gold in Paris as a member of the épée team, becoming the 20th Olympic champion of BME. The editor of the university’s official website spoke to him after he returned home.

Before the Olympics, how much chance did you see of winning the team gold?

The last period was not so rich in success. After our Olympic qualification was secure, the results didn’t come as much as before, but I think it was mainly because the previous period was very tough and the focus was a bit off the team, we were more focused on the individual performance. So that was a little bit worrying for the team, but the international rivals are so close to each other in terms of quality, the outcome of a bout depends so much on the form of the moment, that everything was possible from 1st to 8th place. The preparation went well, the timing of the form did too, we kind of starved starved ourselves for this success. I hadn’t calculated the odds beforehand, I don’t think the others had either, but we had a good feeling about it, we were relaxed during the days before the tournament, bme.hu wrote.

In the final against Japan, you were the one to increase the lead to the biggest, five points, but eventually it was as close as it coud be. Did it occur to you at 14:9 that this margin might break your opponent, just as the French couldn’t stand up to you in the semi-final?

Unfortunately, in an Olympic championship final, there is no such thing as a big enough advantage. The Japanese were very tough opponents, we always had close, tactical matches with them, every single hit was important. So at that time, we were so far away from the end that we couldn’t slow down or think about the end. We were just thinking about adding one more point. We know them so well, it was likely that they would strike back. We had so many similar matches with them.

What was going through your mind when you came in?

It was particularly difficult because I hadn’t fenced at the Olympics before, so I practically became an Olympian right in the middle of the final. I was doing well in the warm-up, but it’s quite different to do it live, and I hadn’t done that for a long time. Even though I felt that I might be good, there was still a feeling of uncertainty, because I didn’t have the chance to get into the rhythm. And only a half-minute acclimatisation could have lost the gold medal.

There are other athletes from BME at the Olympics, kayaker Ádám Varga is also a medal contender. Did you meet him in the Olympic village?

No, we just missed each other, the kayakers have only just arrived in Paris.

How was the arrival back home?

As medallists we got a few more days out, there was a ceremony at the Park of Champions, otherwise quite a long programme in the heat, and we got our turn at the very end, around 8pm. But the people were waiting for us, and as I saw a lot of Hungarian flags at the final, there were a lot of Hungarians there too. Back home, from the airport we went straight to the Kopaszi dam for a reception. The fans listened to us recalling the experience, they came to ask for photos and signatures. It was nice to feel that so many people appreciate what we’ve achieved, that this really is a national cause.

How do you balance your studies with sport?

For a long time I felt I was doing well, I had the balance, but during the qualification period it was quite difficult, so last year my studies have taken a back seat. I didn’t postpone a semester, but I went from state funding to having to pay my tuition fee. During this period fencing required almost full focus. I still have three semesters left, including professional practice, which I will try to complete with more effort.

You should obviously continue fencing, as there could be at least one more Olympics in your career. Do you have any plans for further on, hopefully with a BME degree in your pocket?

For now I’m concentrating on fencing, I don’t foresee the post-graduation period yet. All I know is that I would love to try my hand in the business world.

Read also:

Hungary in the world’s top in Olympic gold medals per capita – read more HERE
Hungarians won Olympic silver and bronze medals in kayak-canoe – PHOTOS and details in THIS article

August 10, 2024

Hungarians won Olympic silver and bronze medals in kayak-canoe – PHOTOS

Hungarians won silver and bronze medals in kayak-canoe

The Hungarian K-4 women’s team, which secured a bronze medal on Thursday, competed in the 500-metre K-2 canoe sprint with two canoes. Tamara Csipes and Alida Gazsó won silver, while the Noémi Pupp-Sára Fojt duo received bronze. Additionally, Bence Nádas and Sándor Tótka earned silver in the K-2 500 metres. Congratulations!

According to 444.hu, Noémi Pupp and Sára Fojt’s canoe finished the race alongside the German duo Paulina Paszek and Jule Hake. There was no distinguishing between Germany and the second Hungarian boat (1:39:46), resulting in both teams being awarded bronze medals.

Bence Nádas and Sándor Tótka also claimed silver in the K-2 canoe sprint over 500 metres. This event has returned to the Olympic programme for the first time since Beijing 2008.

“The world champions led from the start but were challenged by the Hungarian pair throughout the race. Ultimately, though, the Germans had enough left in the tank, and the pair added another gold to the one they won in the men’s four competition earlier this week”, olympics.com wrote.

Read also:

Hungary in the world’s top in Olympic gold medals per capita – read more HERE
Miracle in the Seine: Hungarian gold and bronze in men’s 10 km swimming marathon at Paris Olympics

August 9, 2024

Miracle in the Seine: Hungarian gold and bronze in men’s 10 km swimming marathon at Paris Olympics

Kristóf Rasovszky claimed the Olympic gold with a flawless performance in the men’s 10 km swimming marathon in the Seine this morning. This marks Hungary’s fourth Olympic gold at the Paris Games. Dávid Betlehem finished third, securing the bronze.

Hungarians dominate swimming marathon in Paris

Kristóf Rasovszky led the race from start to finish. Prior to the event, swimmers were unable to test the river due to poor water quality. There was even uncertainty yesterday about whether the marathon swimming would proceed as planned.

“Today’s results were considered ‘very good’ according to the World Aquatics thresholds for E.coli and Enterococci on all four testing points across the marathon swimming course,” the organisers of the Olympic Games and swimming governing body World Aquatics said in a statement to Reuters yesterday.

The swimming marathon began at 7:30 am, and Rasovszky’s main competitor was the German swimmer Oliver Klemet. Klemet briefly took the lead during the fifth lap. Dávid Betlehem, another Hungarian swimmer aged just 21 and trained in Veszprém, clinched third place with a powerful final lap, finishing ahead of Domenico Acerenza.

Rasovszky won with a time of 1:50:52, while Betlehem clocked 1:51:09.

Risztov’s previous gold

Éva Risztov previously won gold in the 10 km swimming marathon at the 2012 London Olympics.

Originally a freestyle swimmer, Rasovszky switched to marathon swimming following Risztov’s success in 2016. In 2021, Rasovszky earned silver, but this February, he secured gold at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha.

Rasovszky said that training on the Danube before the Paris Olympics proved to be a big help.

Yesterday, 19-year-old Bettina Fábián finished fifth in the women’s 10 km marathon. Afterwards, she celebrated with pálinka, a traditional Hungarian spirit. You can view the video in THIS article.

These are triumphant times for Hungarian marathon swimming. Congratulations!

Here is a video of the last minutes of the finals:

Read also:

Hungary in the world’s top in Olympic gold medals per capita – read more HERE
Hungarian women’s kayak four won bronze at Paris Olympics! – PHOTOS and details in THIS article

August 9, 2024

Hungarian swimmer disinfected with pálinka after finishing 5th in women’s 10km marathon swim in the Seine – VIDEOS

Miraculously, the 19-year-old swimmer could finish 5th in the women’s 10km marathon swim in the Seine at the Paris Olympic Games today. Afterwards, Bettina Fábián disinfected with pálinka, the traditional Hungarian spirit. Have you ever tasted pálinka?

The Hungarian swimmer prepared in the River Danube

Bettina Fábián did not swim yesterday in the Seine because she did not want to risk an infection in the polluted water. French authorities said yesterday that the bacteria level of the river decreased below the limit.

Betti said before her swimming that her training was successful, but she was afraid of the Seine, the currents in the river, etc.

She said the water was not as dirty as she thought, and currents made swimming hard. Downstream times were around 7.5 minutes, while upstream increased to 13.5 minutes.

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

Betty Fabian (@bettiifabian) által megosztott bejegyzés

Swimmers needed to complete six rounds, and since Betti trained in the Danube, turns were better for her than for the others. Therefore, she could advance in each turn. Moreover, she stored her energy better, so in the end, she could finish in the 5th position.

She disinfected with pálinka after the contest

Betti was the second youngest among the winners and said training in the Danube helped her the most because currents could not carry her away most of the time. “I think this is a very good result on my first Olympics”, she concluded, and we can only agree with her.

The last metres of her swim:

After she got out of the water, she disinfected with some pálinka sips, the traditional Hungarian spirit. Then she drank Coca-Cola.

Here is the video (the Hungarian Swimming Association wrote below the video that they did not support alcohol consumption):

Congratulations, Betti!

Read also:

Bugs Bunny interviewed Hungarian 3X Olympic Champion – check out the video HERE
Hungarian Boxing Association awards Luca Hámori prize money equivalent to a bronze medal

August 8, 2024

Hungary in the world’s top in Olympic gold medals per capita!

Kristóf Milák wins Hungary's third gold in 100m men's butterfly happened

Hungary has always been at the top of the list concerning the number of Olympic medals since the start of the modern-age Olympic Games. We are very proud of that fact, but Hungary may drop from the front runners.

Hungary on the top of the world’s sports

According to G7.hu, Hungary is in second place, concerning the number of Olympic golds, with 19.2 per 1 million people. Only the Bahamas precede it with 19.4. Finland is the third with 18.2.

If we take the number of medals won at the modern Olympic Games per one million citizens, Hungary is third, following San Marino and Finland.

Hungary’s bronze medallists at the Paris summer olympics:

eszter muhari fencing bronze — Bronze medallist Eszter Muhari at the announcement of the results of the women’s individual fencing at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, at the Grand Palais on 27 July 2024. Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor

A country can advance on the list if it wins more medals and with a shrinking population. That is what happened in the “duel” between Hungary and Sweden. Thanks to migration, the Scandinavian country’s population is growing, while Hungary’s continues to decrease despite all government efforts.

Small states can advance on the gold list

If we win three more gold medals in Paris and the Bahamas do not, Hungary could become the world-leader in Olympic golds per 1 million people. On the list of Olympic medals per 1 million people, beating San Marino is unimaginable: it would require at least 350 medals.

The silver medallists in Paris:

Silver medal men's sabre team Paris Olympics — Photo: MTI

First Hungarian silver medal at Paris Olympics — Photo: MTI

If we calculate the number of gold medals and medals won in the summer and winter Olympics, Hungary is sixth since the country has won only ten medals in the winter Olympics.

G7.hu argues that small states like Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic can deprive Hungary of its top position since the modern-day Olympics show such states are able to win more and more medals.

The three Hungarian golds at the Paris Olympics:

what happened Hungarian gold Paris Olympics — Photo: MTI

Read also:

Bugs Bunny interviewed Hungarian 3X Olympic Champion – Read more HERE
Hungarian Boxing Association awards Luca Hámori prize money equivalent to a bronze medal

August 8, 2024

Olympics in Hungary – a real possiblity or a pipe dream?

olympics in Hungary olimpia park Olympic team urban development

In 2015, the idea of having the Olympics in Hungary became a real possibility. However, two years later, in a major political upheaval, those hopes died. This article takes a look at what happened then, how much would the Hungarian Olympics have cost, and if there is any chance that the Olympic flame will ever burn in Budapest.

In a recent interview, the president of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, Zsolt Gyulay, told the Hungarian sports magazine Nemzeti Sport that Hungary “could host a hundred times better Olympics. In organisation, transport, accommodation, access, and venues. I am absolutely confident about that.”

Hosting the Olympics can be a source of national pride, not to mention the fact that the Games can generate significant revenue for a country: around 9 million tickets were sold for the Paris Olympics and, according to Világgazdaság, the event could “generate at least EUR 6.7 billion, or EUR 11.14 billion in the best-case scenario, in economic stimulus for the Paris region,” with 150,000 to 180,000 jobs linked to it, as well. From this perspective, it makes sense to want to organise the biggest sporting event in the world.

NOlympics campaign sets a new party on course

In 2015, the governing Fidesz and Jobbik jointly voted to bid to organise the 2024 Olympics in Hungary, with the opposition rejecting the idea. The proposal was short-lived, however: in January 2017, the Momentum Movement started collecting signatures to call for a referendum on the matter.

Their campaign was named NOlympics (NOlimpia in Hungarian), and, backed by several opposition parties, collected a total of 266,151 signatures in 30 days, making it possible to hold a referendum on the question: “Do you agree that the Municipality of Budapest should withdraw its bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games?”

nolimpia momentum olympics in hungary — Activists collecting signatures in Budapest. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Seeing the lack of public support for the Olympics in Hungary, on 22 February, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungarian Olympic Committee President Zsolt Borkai, and Budapest Mayor István Tarlós decided that Budapest would withdraw from the bid.

Orbán said at the time that Momentum “murdered a dream. It didn’t see it as too steep of a price to break into politics by killing the Olympic dreams of some people.”

How much would an Olympics in Hungary have cost?

Back in 2016, Portfolio examined how much it would have cost for Hungary to host the Olympic Games – a figure that since then has probably risen significantly. As the paper wrote, the original plan for the 2024 Olympics in Hungary would have seen the Games hosted in 16 venues in the capital and in several countryside cities.

The projected cost of the Budapest Olympics, based on a feasibility study, would have been HUF 1,074 billion (EUR 2.69 billion), but revenue from the secondary use of the buildings – such as converting Olympic village buildings into apartments and then selling them – would also have generated HUF 299 billion (EUR 750 million).

An interesting comparison is that in 2016, the 19 Olympic organisers since 1896 had an average economy 26 times larger than Hungary. Even Greece, which hosted the 2004 Olympics, had twice the total GDP of Hungary when it drew up its Olympic plans. In Hungary, Portfolio calculated that hosting the Olympics would have accounted for almost 10 percent of the annual GDP.

As Portfolio highlights, some of the infrastructure needed for the Olympics is temporary, while other buildings remain after the Games, which makes the responsibility of decision-makers particularly high. They need to consider not only how new buildings will change the skyline of a city and the direction of its development, but also how the remaining facilities can be used after the Olympics.

olympics in Hungary olimpia park — The Olympics Park in Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Olympics in Hungary already in the works?

A VSquare newsletter shared back in June of this year that Hungary might revive its bid to host an upcoming Olympics. According to an unnamed source “connected to the Orbán government,” the government and Budapest have started backchannel communications about potentially hosting the Summer Games. The source claimed that the opposition leadership of the capital might be willing to support the Hungarian government’s proposal in exchange for infrastructure development funds.

As VSquare wrote, “the fact that Budapest’s liberal-green leadership is now also open to supporting a bid demonstrates their effort to secure financial support for the cash-strapped capital in an increasingly right-wing political climate.”

At the same time, VSquare cited an official working for Mayor Karácsony, who stated that there was no direct communication between the government and their office. “We expect that the topic will soon be discussed [officially]. Everything that is a prerequisite for hosting an Olympic Games is also in the interest of the capital – infrastructure development such as roads, overpasses, public transportation, etc.,” the official said.

A new player has also entered the Hungarian political field that could reshape the Olympics discussion. Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party, which gained a significant number of seats in the Budapest city assembly, supports the Olympic bid – in a stark break from other opposition parties.

Either way, the earliest Hungary may host an Olympics is in 2036, although that date will likely be given to an Asian country. Therefore, the likeliest and earliest date for the Olympics in Hungary seems to be 2040 – if it is a possibility at all.

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August 5, 2024

What to expect of Hungary vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League?

After facing what’s expected to be a strong challenge in their UEFA Nations League opener against tournament favorites Germany, Hungary will face Bosnia and Herzegorvina in their second match. The match will be hosted at the Pukas Arena on 10th September, with Hungary ranking as the favorite going into this fixture. However, both sides will be looking to secure the three points after facing a challenging opener.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will kick off their campaign at the Phillips Stadion against Netherlands, who are also seeded in group 3 alongside Germany and Hungary. Both Hungary and Bosnia rank as the underdogs in their opening fixtures, which makes this a crucial match for both of them in their bid to qualify for the next stage. However, manager Sergej Barbarez’s side have struggled to find the net in their last three fixtures leading to their UEFA Nations League campaign.

So, can Hungary secure their position in Group 3 with a victory on Match Day 2 or will The Dragons record a surprise victory over Marco Rossi’s men? Here is what to expect as Hungary goes against Bosnia and Herzegovina as you bet on UEFA Nations League football matches with leading bookmakers.

Can Dominik Szoboszlai lead Hungary to victory over Bosnia?

Led by Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary will head into this match as the favorite regardless of whether they win their opening match over Germany or not. Szoboszlai helped Hungary record a win in their opening match over Turkey during their 2020 UEFA Nations League campaign and will be crucial to their assault in this fixture.

Marco Rossi’s men will be hoping to impress in the UEFA Nations League, after falling short in their Euro 2024 campaign. The Hungarians finished the Euro 2024 campaign third in their group above Scotland, behind leaders Germany and Switzerland. However, that was not enough to get a spot in the last 16. That’s after the team went undefeated in their 2023 campaign.

Looking at their last three fixture, Hungary is confident they can perform incredibly well at the UEFA Nations League considering they will start their campaign against Germany, which crashed 2-0 in June at the Euro Group Stage. That said, football experts predict Hungary to dominate the game over Bosnia and record a 2-0 victory.

Will Bosnia and Herzegovina finally start a new chapter?

While Bosnia has been on a downward trajectory on the field over the last decade, the Dragons hope to start a new chapter during the 2024 UEFA Nations League. Bosnia and Herzegovina brought in a new manager, hoping to revamp their side as they prepare to mount a successful group stage campaign in September. However, they have struggled with their defense and attack in their last five fixtures, conceding multiple goals and failing to score.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will walk into this match hoping to salvage their campaign, which might be hard to achieve if they lose their opening game against Hungary. Unfortunately, their chances to mount a strong challenge against Hungary seem slim as they rank as the outright underdogs in their group following their loss against Italy, England, and Ukraine in their last three fixtures.

August 5, 2024

Cricket in Hungary

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Cricket is a sport with a rich history, traditionally associated with countries like England, Australia, and India. However, in recent years, it has found a home in many non-traditional regions, including Hungary. Despite being a lesser-known sport in this Central European country, cricket has been growing steadily, supported by a dedicated community of players and enthusiasts. This article explores the history, development, and current state of cricket in Hungary.

History and Development

Cricket in Hungary dates back to the early 20th century, with historical records indicating that it was played informally by expatriates and diplomats. However, the sport didn’t gain significant traction until the late 1990s and early 2000s, when organized efforts began to promote it more widely.

Key Milestones:

Formation of the Hungarian Cricket Association (HCA): The HCA was established in 2006, marking a significant step in the formal organization and development of the sport. The association is responsible for overseeing cricket activities in the country, including domestic competitions and the national team.
International Affiliation: Hungary became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2008, which provided the country with access to international competitions and funding opportunities.

Domestic Competitions

The domestic cricket scene in Hungary consists of several leagues and tournaments that cater to different levels of skill and experience. The primary competition is the Hungarian National Cricket League, which features various clubs from across the country.

Major Clubs:

Baggy Blues Cricket Club: One of the oldest and most successful clubs in Hungary, known for its competitive spirit and strong performances.
Dunabogdány Cricket Club: Another prominent club that has contributed to the growth of cricket in Hungary, particularly in youth development.
Royal Tigers Cricket Club: A key player in the Hungarian cricket scene, known for its strong lineup and consistent performances.

These clubs play an essential role in promoting cricket at the grassroots level, providing opportunities for players of all ages to participate in the sport.

National Team

The Hungarian national cricket team, often called the “Magyars,” represents the country in international competitions. The team has made significant progress over the years, competing in various regional and international tournaments.

Key Achievements:

Central European Cup: Hungary has participated in the Central European Cup, an annual T20 tournament that includes teams from Central Europe. The competition provides valuable experience and exposure for Hungarian players.
European Cricket Council (ECC) Competitions: The national team has also competed in ECC events, where they have faced off against other developing cricket nations.

The national team’s development has been supported by the HCA, which focuses on improving coaching, facilities, and player development programs.

Challenges and Opportunities

According to website 4rabet, despite the positive growth, cricket in Hungary faces several challenges, primarily due to the country’s limited exposure to the sport. The lack of cricket infrastructure, such as dedicated grounds and training facilities, poses a significant hurdle. Additionally, cricket competes with more popular sports like football and handball for attention and resources.

Challenges:

Limited Facilities: The scarcity of cricket-specific facilities limits the opportunities for training and hosting international matches.
Lack of Awareness: Cricket is still relatively unknown to the general public in Hungary, making it challenging to attract new players and fans.
Funding: Securing adequate funding for development programs and international participation remains a concern.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth. The increasing interest in cricket among the youth and expatriate communities offers a promising avenue for expanding the sport’s reach.

Opportunities:

Youth Development: Focusing on youth programs and school initiatives can help introduce cricket to a new generation of players.
Cultural Exchange: Leveraging the presence of expatriates who are familiar with cricket can help build a more robust cricketing culture in Hungary.
International Exposure: Continued participation in international competitions can raise the profile of Hungarian cricket and attract more support.

The Future of Cricket in Hungary

The future of cricket in Hungary looks promising, with ongoing efforts to grow the sport at both the grassroots and national levels. The HCA continues to work towards improving facilities, coaching standards, and player development programs. Additionally, the association is actively seeking partnerships and sponsorships to secure the necessary resources for further growth.

Key Focus Areas:

Infrastructure Development: Building more cricket grounds and training facilities will be crucial for the sport’s development.
Grassroots Initiatives: Expanding youth programs and school cricket can help nurture talent from an early age.
International Participation: Increasing participation in international competitions will provide valuable experience and exposure for players.

As cricket continues to gain traction in Hungary, the country has the potential to become a significant player in the European cricket scene. The dedication and passion of the cricketing community, coupled with strategic development efforts, will be key to realizing this potential.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

August 5, 2024

The best overseas players in The Hundred 2024

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The Hundred has quickly established itself as a marquee event in the cricketing calendar, attracting top talent from around the world. The 2024 edition promises to be no different, with an array of international stars set to light up the competition.

With the tournament on the horizon and The Hundred odds captivating fans, read on as we take a closer look at the best overseas players in The Hundred 2024.

Rashid Khan – Trent Rockets

The Afghanistan sensation Rashid Khan was the first-ever pick in The Hundred draft and has been a mainstay for the Trent Rockets since the tournament’s inception. Widely regarded as the best T20 bowler in the world, Rashid’s leg-spin is a crucial weapon in the Rockets’ arsenal.

His ability to take wickets at crucial moments and keep the runs down makes him a nightmare for any batsman. Expect to see more of his match-winning performances as he leads the charge for the Nottingham-based side.

Fazalhaq Farooqi – Manchester Originals

Joining his compatriot Rashid Khan in The Hundred this year is Fazalhaq Farooqi, another Afghan talent making waves in the cricketing world. Farooqi is set to debut for the Manchester Originals following a standout performance in the T20 World Cup, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker and helped Afghanistan reach the semi-finals.

His left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball both ways will be pivotal for the Originals as they look to mount a serious challenge in the cricket odds this season.

Andre Russell – London Spirit

The dynamic Andre Russell makes a thrilling return to The Hundred in 2024, this time donning the colours of the London Spirit. The West Indies all-rounder, known affectionately as ‘Dre Russ’, is a two-time T20 World Cup winner and brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for explosive batting and effective death bowling.

Having previously played for Southern Brave and Manchester Originals, Russell is sure to be a fan favourite at Lord’s with his big-hitting prowess and match-winning abilities.

Meg Lanning – London Spirit

London Spirit women’s team has made a significant coup by signing Australian superstar Meg Lanning. The 32-year-old captain has an illustrious career, boasting two Cricket World Cups and five T20 World Cups to her name.

With over 3,400 T20 runs, Lanning is a formidable presence at the crease and a nightmare for bowlers. Her leadership and batting acumen will be invaluable for the Spirit as they aim for glory this season.

Richa Ghosh – Birmingham Phoenix

At just 20 years old, Richa Ghosh is already making a name for herself on the international stage. The young Indian wicketkeeper-batter has been drafted by Birmingham Phoenix, who will be hoping she can add some much-needed firepower to their lineup.

Despite her youth, Ghosh has shown maturity and skill beyond her years, excelling in both batting and wicketkeeping. Although she will miss the opening games due to Asia Cup commitments, her return will be eagerly anticipated by Phoenix fans.

Marizanne Kapp – Oval Invincibles

Marizanne Kapp is synonymous with success in The Hundred, having played a key role in the Oval Invincibles’ two championship wins. The South African all-rounder was instrumental in their 2022 triumph, earning the Player of the Match award in the final with a crucial 37 runs from 33 balls.

Kapp’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a vital asset for the Invincibles as they look to defend their title once again.

August 5, 2024

Hungarian Bence Halász wins silver in hammer throw at Paris Olympics on his birthday!

Bence Halász earned a silver medal in the hammer throw at the Paris Olympics, celebrating his 27th birthday in the final. The Hungarian, who qualified for the final with the sixth-best mark, had previously thrown over 80 metres this year, suggesting that such a distance would be necessary for a medal.

Bence Halász secures silver medal

In the final, Halász’s first throw was 77.58 metres, placing him fifth. Canadian Ethan Katzberg set an impressive standard with a throw of 84.12 metres, significantly ahead of the competition and nearly matching the Olympic record set by Sergei Litvinov in 1988, Telex reports.

Halász improved to 78.84 metres on his second attempt, moving up to fourth place. His third throw, at 79.97 metres, moved him into second place, ahead of Ukraine’s Mykhaylo KoKhan.

bence halász hammer throw — Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

In the fourth round, Halász again threw close to 80 metres but did not surpass his best mark. As other competitors failed to make significant improvements, Halász secured the silver medal. This is Hungary’s first hammer throw medal since 2012.

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August 4, 2024

Amazing: Hungarian Blanka Vas shines with 4th place in women’s road cycling at Paris Olympics

Blanka Vas achieved a remarkable result by finishing 4th in the women’s road cycling event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. The 22-year-old Hungarian cyclist skillfully navigated the 157-kilometre race, staying out of trouble and riding strongly up the Montmartre climb with the lead group.

Hungarian Blanka Vas impresses with 4th-place finish

blanka vas womens road cycling — Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

With 22 kilometres remaining, Vas and Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos broke away from the main pack, building a 30-second lead. As they approached the final climb near the Louvre, Belgian Lotte Kopecky and American Kristen Faulkner closed in. Faulkner then surged ahead with a solo effort for the gold medal, leaving Vas, Vos, and Kopecky unable to catch her, resulting in an American victory, Telex reports.

A sprint for second place saw Vos take the silver, while Kopecky narrowly edged out Vas for the bronze. This adds to a series of 4th-place finishes for Hungarian cyclists, following Attila Valter’s similar position on Saturday.

Previously, Vas made headlines by securing 4th place in mountain biking at the Tokyo Olympics, Telex informs. Since then, she has focused more on road cycling, where she has now achieved another impressive 4th-place finish. This underscores her versatility and elite status in various cycling disciplines. Vas also competed in mountain biking at the Paris Games, finishing a notable 10th.

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August 4, 2024

Hungarian Boxing Association awards Luca Hámori prize money equivalent to a bronze medal

hungarian boxing association luca hámori

On Saturday, Hungarian boxer Luca Hámori lost unanimously to Algeria’s Imane Khelif in the quarter-finals of the women’s 66 kg boxing category at the Paris Olympics. Despite the loss, Hámori will receive prize money as if she had won a bronze medal.

Luca Hámori receives a generous amount

The generous decision comes from the Hungarian Boxing Association, with board member Lajos Berkó announcing on Sunday that Hámori’s prize will be supplemented to match the bronze medal amount, Telex reports.

As a result, Luca Hámori will receive a total of HUF 31 million (EUR 77,750) for her performance, with the association contributing a significant portion, precisely HUF 16 million (EUR 40,000). The association did not explain why they decided to supplement Hámori’s prize money,

while Richárd Kovács, who also finished 5th, only received a special congratulatory message.

Luca Hámori’s opponent, Imane Khelif, has been a hot topic in Olympic discussions both in Hungary and internationally. On 1 August, Khelif’s Italian opponent, Angela Carini, surrendered after just 46 seconds, claiming she had never been hit so hard. Additionally, Khelif was excluded from last year’s World Championships due to high testosterone levels, prompting the Hungarian association to protest to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite this, Hámori insisted on facing her.

Hámori’s unsportsmanlike conduct called out

The controversy escalated, with the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB) raising the issue to a higher level. Meanwhile, several online users began calling for Hámori to be penalised after she shared questionable and controversial content about Khelif in a personal video and Instagram story (calling the boxer transphobe names, a man, and even a “beast”), prompting people to call out Hámori’s unprofessional and unsportsmanlike conduct. Following the match, however, Hámori stated that there was nothing negative to say about her opponent and that the two days preceding the match were hard for everybody.

“I can’t say a single bad word about my opponent. The past few days have been difficult for everyone. I have respect for her, I have no negative thoughts towards her, and she is not to blame for this situation. We both came to fight, and this is how it turned out this time, but it could be different in the future. The situation did not ruin my Olympics at all,” Telex quoted the boxer as saying.

Luca Hámori lost unanimously to Algeria’s Imane Khelif in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics.

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August 4, 2024

Kristóf Milák wins Hungary’s third gold in 100m men’s butterfly – PHOTOS

Kristóf Milák secured Hungary’s third gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a fantastic swimming in the 100m men’s butterfly. His time was below 50 seconds.

Milák could win Olympic gold in two consecutive Olympic Games like Krisztina Egerszegi and Tamás Darnyi. Before, he secured Hungary’s first silver in men’s 200m butterfly. Afterwards, many seemed disappointed since they expected him to defend his first place earned in 2021 in Tokyo.

Kristóf Milák wins Hungary's third gold in 100m men's butterfly — Photo: MTI

Now, they received a solid answer to all concerns about his swimming career. Sports leaders and the press criticised Milák before the Olympics. He disappeared in 2023 and did not talk to journalists. He said before the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Japan that he was both mentally and physically unfit to participate.

He had the best time both in the quarter-finals and the semi-finals. In the final, the French Maxime Grousset and the Canadian Josh Liendo fell only milliseconds behind him, telex.hu wrote.

Kristóf Milák Paris Olympics — Photo: MTI

Hungary’s swimming captain did not trust Milák last December

The world record holder Caeleb Dressel and the four-time Paris Olympic champion Léon Marchand did not participate in the 100m men’s butterfly.

Milák is the first Hungarian Olympic champion of the 100m men’s butterfly.

Milák won silver in Tokyo in 100m and gold in 200m. In Paris, he switched up the two results.

In December, the Hungarian swimming team’s captain, Csaba Sós, said Milák’s condition was catastrophic because he missed more than half a year in training. He said there was no sign of Milák struggling with depression.

The Hungarian athlete refuted all the critics with his miraculous performance in Paris. Congratulations!

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Miraculous victory: Hungarian men’s épée team wins Hungary’s second gold! – PHOTOS and more HERE
Hubert Kós wins Hungary’s first gold in 200m men’s backstroke at the Paris Olympics! – PHOTOS, VIDEO and details in THIS article

August 3, 2024

Hungarian sports shooter secured unexpected bronze at Paris Olympics! – PHOTOS

Veronika Major, Hungary’s 27-year-old sports shooter, won Hungary’s second bronze medal in shooting today at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. That is her second bronze at the Olympic Games.

She competed in the women’s 10-metre air pistol event at the 2020 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in the women’s 25-metre pistol event at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Major secured Hungary’s sixth medal at the Paris Olympic Games. The Hungarian Team has won two golds, two silvers and two bronzes.

After the first round, she stood at the 6th-7th place with two hits, but in the next three rounds, she could advance to the second place thanks to her four hits out of five shots. In the fifth round, her performance was flawless, and she stood in fourth place in the seventh round.

In the final round, she defeated the two-time Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker. Thus, she won Hungary’s and her second bronze. Only a South Korean and a French shooter could come before her.

Hungarian sports shooter secured unexpected bronze — Photo: MTI

The last time Hungary could win a medal in shooting was in Athens (2004), with Diána Igaly winning gold in skeet, 24.hu wrote.

Here is a video of the final round:

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Miraculous victory: Hungarian men’s épée team wins Hungary’s second gold! – PHOTOS and more in THIS article
Imane Khelif vs Luca Hámori: the Algerian uses biological doping, says geneticist

August 3, 2024

Imane Khelif vs Luca Hámori: the Algerian uses biological doping, says geneticist – UPDATED

Many celebrities, including J.K. Rowling, as well as numerous Hungarians, were outraged to learn that Luca Hámori would be facing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif in the quarter-finals of the 66-kilogram boxing category. The IBA disqualified Khelif from the 2023 World Championships due to her elevated testosterone levels and XY chromosomes. Some even claimed that she was biologically male. Here is what András Falus, a prominent Hungarian geneticist, had to say on the matter.

Imane Khelif’s hormonal state differs from other women

According to Mr Falus, the International Olympic Committee approved the 25-year-old Algerian boxer’s participation based on her female genitalia, despite her possessing Y chromosomes.

Our genetic information is contained in 23 pairs of chromosomes. The 23rd pair comprises two special chromosomes, X and Y, which determine our sex. Women have XX chromosomes, while men have XY. Consequently, our bodies develop differently, with men typically developing stronger muscles, which can be decisive in sports such as boxing. This is why men do not compete against women in the ring.

The Hungarian expert noted that Khelif’s hormonal state differs from that of other women, particularly due to elevated testosterone levels. This results in her muscles developing differently. Such a genetic condition occurs in 1-2% of the population, Falus told infostart.hu.

Khelif to face Hungarian Hámori today

Khelif’s previous opponent, Italian Angela Carini, withdrew from their bout on 1 August due to Khelif’s extreme strength and powerful punches, which left Carini in tears.

Hungarian female boxer have to defeat a biological man at the Paris Olympics — Photo: Instagram/Imane Khelif

Professor Falus, who was awarded the Széchenyi Prize, stated that testosterone levels in women with this genetic disorder may be up to a hundred times higher than in ordinary women, representing a form of biological doping. It is not the coach who enhances strength but rather the athlete’s own body.

Khelif is set to face Hungarian Luca Hámori in the boxing ring today. Hámori has stated that she does not mind whether her opponent is male or female and is determined to win.

UPDATE: Khelif wins

Khelif won against Hámori 5-0 and burst into tears afterwards.

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Will Hungarian female boxer have to defeat a biological man at the Paris Olympics? – VIDEO and more in THIS article
Hungarian Boxing Association awards Luca Hámori prize money equivalent to a bronze medal

August 3, 2024

Miraculous victory: Hungarian men’s épée team wins Hungary’s second gold! – PHOTOS

Hungarian mens epee team wins Hungarys second gold

The Hungarian men’s épée team secured the country’s second gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games this evening by defeating Japan in the gold medal match.

Earlier today, the Hungarian team managed to overcome the French team, which experts had predicted would win. The French were considered favourites not only due to being the host nation but also because, as NBC Olympics wrote, “although Hungary’s roster is full of major talent, France is still the favorite to win gold. It won three consecutive Olympic titles before being upset in the quarterfinals in Tokyo three years ago. The team continued on to win medals at the past two world championships”.

The Hungarian team achieved a convincing victory over the French, finishing with a score of 45 to 30.

In the gold medal match, the Olympic champions Japan faced the Hungarian quartet of Gergely Siklósi, Máté Koch, Tibor Andrásfi, and Dávid Nagy. The Hungarians dominated the bout until the very end when Japan’s substitute, Kano, levelled the score. Ultimately, Gergely Siklósi secured the gold medal for Hungary.

This gold is Hungary’s second medal of the Games following Hubert Kós’s victory in the men’s 200m backstroke and the fifth overall at the Paris Olympics (one bronze, two silvers, two golds).

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Will Hungarian female boxer have to defeat a biological man at the Paris Olympics? – VIDEO and details HERE
Hungarian boxer Luca Hámori against biological man: Hungarian Olympic Committee initiates consultation with IOC

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

Hungarian Fencing Federation (@magyar_vivo_szovetseg) által megosztott bejegyzés

August 2, 2024

Hungarian boxer Luca Hámori against biological man: Hungarian Olympic Committee initiates consultation with IOC – UPDATED

Zsolt Gyulay, the president of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB), has initiated consultations with the sports director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to discuss the situation around the “masculine-looking” Algerian boxer Imane Khelif who is set to face Hungary’s Luca Hamori in the women’s boxing quarterfinals at the Paris Games.

Only women should compete in the women’s field

The MOB said in a statement that it will also consult with the leadership of the Italian National Olympic Committee, along with other national committees, after Khelif’s Italian opponent “withdrew from the one-sided bout after barely 40 seconds”.

The MOB said that as a national Olympic committee it respected the IOC’s regulations, but supported equality among women athletes and fair competition.

The committee said it was on the side of Hungarian Olympians “in all circumstances” and was doing everything possible to enforce the interests of the Hungarian athletes in this situation as well. It said it was constantly exploring its options provided by the regulations for protecting Hamori’s right to fair competition.

The MOB said it was convinced that equal opportunities for women must not be limited to an equal proportion of male and female athletes at the Olympics. The principle of equal opportunity, it added, demanded that only women with female biological characteristics compete in the women’s field.

“Otherwise, women athletes’ right to equal opportunities and fair competition is fundamentally violated,” the committee said. It said that if the rules for participation in Olympic boxing did not fully ensure this, the regulations should be reviewed and modified if necessary. “The rules must clearly ensure that only women can compete in the women’s field,” it added.

The IOC defended Khelif before

The IOC defended Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting in a statement on Thursday, saying they had faced “aggression” from the International Boxing Association (IBA) last year when it made an “arbitrary decision” to disqualify them from the world championships.

Bence Rétvári, an MP of the co-ruling Christian Democrats, said on Facebook that “half the world is outraged that a

genetically male boxer is allowed to fight with women”

and blamed for the incident “the gender lobby … LGBT activists working to include men among female athletes”. “Law will never change genetic characteristics,” he said.

Activists “with anti-discrimination and equal opportunities on their rainbow flag … have just stripped women of equal opportunities and violated their dignity,” he insisted.

“Those genetically female should compete with women and those genetically male should fight with men … it is important to eliminate legal discrimination between the sexes but it does not mean that the sexes, in a legal sense, should be eliminated,” he said, adding that “we have equal rights but we are not uniform”.

UPDATE

HERE is our previous article summing up the issue. And HERE you may read the surprising professional opinion of a Hungarian geneticist, Ferenc Falus.

Read also:

Will Hungarian female boxer have to defeat a biological man at the Paris Olympics? – VIDEO and details in THIS article
Hubert Kós wins Hungary’s first gold in 200m men’s backstroke at the Paris Olympics! – PHOTOS, VIDEO

August 2, 2024

Will Hungarian female boxer have to defeat a biological man at the Paris Olympics? – VIDEO, UPDATED

“I don’t care whether she is woman or man, I want to defeat her!”, Luca Hámori, a 66-kilogram Hungarian female boxer, said about her future opponent, the Algerian Imane Khelif. Based on 2023 tests, Ms Khelif has XY chromosomes and her Italian opponent yesterday gave up the fight after only 46 seconds. She said she decided so due to the immensely strong punches of the Algerian athlete.

Algerian boxer finished opponent in 46 seconds

After the bout between the Italian and the Algerian athletes, the former crashed on her knees and cried since she had to give up the fight. According to voanews.com, winning in just 46 seconds is unusual in Olympic boxing.

Angela Carini said she felt severe pain in her nose “and with the maturity of a boxer, I said, ‘Enough,’ because I didn’t want to, I didn’t want to, I couldn’t finish the match.”

She did not shake hands and burst into tears after the judge raised the Algerian boxer’s hand. “My father taught me to be a warrior. I have always stepped into the ring with honour, and I have always (served) my country with loyalty. And this time I couldn’t do it because I couldn’t fight anymore, and so I ended the match”, Carini said.

Hungarian press wrote that the Italian athlete gave up since she felt her opponent was too powerful. Here is a video of the bout:

Imane Khelif: intersex person or woman with hormonal disorder?

That may not be surprising considering the fact that Umar Kremlev, the president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), said at the 2023 IBA World Boxing Championships that Imane Khelif had to be disqualified since she had XY chromosomes and elevated levels of testosterone. As 444.hu pointed out, IBA let her compete in 2023, then disqualified her before her last match.

It has been suggested that it is not transgenderism or intersexuality that causes the male testosterone levels in Khelif’s body, but hyperandrogenism, i.e. being born female with hormonal abnormalities. In fact, even people who are born female and are registered as female can have different levels of testosterone. No two competitors are the same, they never have the same abilities, so it is difficult to ever talk about 100% fair play in competitive sports.

The fact that Khelif could come to Paris is because boxing there is no longer organised by the IBA, led by a Russian sports functionary. The organiser is the International Olympic Committee (IOC), so the rules of entering were different – much looser -, and the Algerian athlete – along with a Taiwanese walking in the same shoes – was granted the green light.

Hungarians outraged

Luca Hámori defeated the Australian Marissa Williamson yesterday with an exquisite performance and by scoring. She said she was not concerned about her opponent in the quarter-finals. She would defeat her opponent even if she were a man.

Ms Hámori raved about the Olympics to the Hungarian press and praised her supporters, many of them from Kőszeg, her hometown close to the Hungarian-Austrian border. She told index.hu that she trains with guys, so she is not afraid. “She somehow proved she was a girl”, she said about the Algerian. She added she was unsurprised about the IBA’s disqualification last year because Khelif’s appearance was “boyish”.

Hámori is the first Hungarian female boxer to qualify for the Olympics. “I have two victorious bouts. That is something massive for me. If I got a medal, I would be the world’s happiest person”, she added.

Fears for the physical safety of the Hungarian female boxer

Many Hungarians are outraged and fear for Luca’s physical safety. They believe it is unfair and dangerous to let biological men compete against women. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee said the IBA’s 2023 decision was impulsive and arbitrary. The IOC believes all athletes meet the requirements to participate. Furthermore, they expressed sadness concerning the attacks against the Algerian and Taiwanese athletes, Magyar Nemzet wrote.

J. K. Rowling and Elon Musk protested against Imane Khelif’s participation.

The two athletes will meet in the ring on Saturday.

UPDATE: the Hungarian Olympic Committee initiates consultation with the International Olympic Committee concerning the Hámori vs Khelif match – Read our article HERE

Read also:

Hubert Kós wins Hungary’s first gold in 200m men’s backstroke at the Paris Olympics! – PHOTOS, VIDEO and more in THIS article
Hungary wins its first silver medals at 2024 Paris Olympic Games! – Read more HERE

August 2, 2024