IOC President Bach: Hungarian Olympic movement ‘world-leading’

The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday visited Budapest, the site of the World Aquatics Championships.

Thomas Bach noted that Hungary has hosted many world and European championships in recent years, and that all events had passed “exceptionally well”.

“The icing on the cake is that the athletes, too, are successful; they’re real role models for the Hungarian people. So being in Hungary once again is a very good experience,” Bach said.

Referring to the Duna Arena which hosts swimming events, he said the Hungarian audience not only cheered their own competitors but everyone else, too, and he praised the atmosphere of FINA World Championship events in Budapest.

Looking ahead to the next Olympics, he said expectations were high for the Hungarian swimming team in Paris.

Regarding the organisation of the World Championships, he noted that Hungary had had 131 days to prepare for the event, proving its flexibility, creativity and efficiency. For the 2027 event, which Hungary won in 2019, the country will be even better prepared, he said.

“Budapest is a beautiful, sports-loving city, as is the country as a whole. Walking about here, you’re surrounded by history, but when you go to a sporting event, you see the future,” Bach said.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán received Bach at his offices on Monday, details HERE.

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Source: MTI