water polo

European Water Polo Championships starts in Budapest

The 34th European Water Polo Championships will end on January 26.

The 34th European Water Polo Championships started here on Sunday, with the Hungarian capital staging the tournament for the fifth time.

“Twenty-eight teams of seventeen nations are ready to rock in the Duna Aréna, as Budapest will stage the European Water Polo Championships from Sunday for a record fifth time,” the organizers informed in a press release.

“We are always happy to come to Budapest, it’s a true home of water polo where great atmosphere and successful events are guaranteed,” said LEN Vice-President Fernando Carpena who welcomed the attendees at the opening press conference of the 34th European Water Polo Championships.

“With the Olympic qualification at stake, this event is one of the most important tournaments this year and we are delighted that our teams can play in such a terrific venue as the Duna Aréna,” Carpena added.

Budapest welcomes the best water polo teams for the fifth time after 1926, 1958, 2001 and 2014, which is a record in the history of the event.

It is the first time when the event is held indoors in the Hungarian capital after memorable editions staged in the legendary Alfred Hajos complex on the Margaret Island.

The championship starts Sunday with three games in the women’s tournament

in Group A

Slovakia-Russia 2-31
Greece-Serbia 26-7
Hungary-Croatia (later)

in Group B

France-Spain 6-15
Germany-Italy 4-13
Netherlands-Israel 22-3

According to LEN, a total of 364 waterpolo players had been entered to the championships at Budapest, with every team having 13 players.

The 34th European Water Polo Championships will end on January 26.

European Water Polo Championships in Budapest – 23 teams are ready to rock!

XXXIV LEN European Water Polo Championships 2020

For a record fifth time, Budapest will stage the European Water Polo Championships from Sunday. The two-week spectacle takes place in the renowned Duna Arena and it’s going to see tremendous battles as one Olympic berth apiece is at stake in the men’s and the women’s tournament.

“We are always happy to come to Budapest, it’s a true home of water polo where great atmosphere and successful events are guaranteed” said LEN Vice-­‐President Fernando Carpena who, on behalf of the LEN Family and President Paolo Barelli, welcomed the attendees at the opening press conference of the 34th European Water Polo Championships.

“With the Olympic qualification is at stake, this event is one of the most important tournaments this year and we are delighted that our teams can play in such a terrific venue as the Duna Arena” Mr Carpena added.

Budapest welcomes the best water polo teams for the fifth time after 1926, 1958, 2001 and 2014, which is a record in the history of the event (until 1997 water polo was part of the ‘big Europeans’). Though this is going to be the first time when the event is held indoors in the Hungarian capital after memorable editions staged in the legendary Alfred Hajos complex on the Margaret Island.

“Thanks to ten months of dedicated work, it’s going to be a successful meet and hopefully one of the best-­‐ever European Championships” said Attila Vári, President of the Hungarian Water Polo Federation.

“We hope our guests will be satisfied what we can offer here. Ee are kind of obliged to do our very best, based on our traditions and the experiences we gained in the recent years while organising one big event after the other.”

The press conference offered a rare scene, as LEN Operational Manager Marco Birri highlighted it, since five Olympic champion of different ages sat next to each other: LEN Bureau Liaison Aleksandar Sostar (Seoul 1988 with Yugoslavia), LEN TWPC Chairman Gianni Lonzi (Rome 1960 with Italy), HWPF President Attila Vari (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 with Hungary), Hungary’s head coach Tamas Marcz (Sydney 2000) and team captain Denes Varga (Beijing 2008). “This demonstrates the strength of our sport and the quality and appreciation of our champions” Mr Birri added. He also noted that both the expansion of the event to feature 28 teams (16 men, 12 women) and to hold the Olympic-­‐year editions in January proved to be an enormous success.

Varga said that even if 2020 was an Olympic year, their focus was on entirely on the upcoming event.

“We are yet to qualify and we need to finish in a good position to obtain the quota. But we go for more, we want to win the title here. I feel the strength in the team to achieve that” the captain said.

Hungarian men’s last win came in 1999 (President Vari and head coach Marcz were part of that side in Florence), the gap of 21 years since the last triumph is the longest one in the history for the Hungarians who top the all-­‐time medal chart with 12 golds.

XXXIV LEN European Water Polo Championships 2020
Dénes Varga, Hungary cpt. Photo: Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

This is a record, however, title-­‐holder Serbia is seeking to tie Hungary’s other long-­‐standing record of winning five editions in a row. The Magyars hunted down the first five titles in history (between 1926 and 1938) – the Serbs are set to repeat that feat now as they triumphed in the last four championships (Eindhoven 2012, Budapest 2014, Belgrade 2016, Barcelona 2018).

The Serbs come to the Hungarian capital with their Olympic berth already secured, just like in the case of World Championships finalists Italy and Spain– either the champion or the highest ranked team behind any of these three sides will also qualify for Tokyo. The other teams will also have a lot at stake as among the non-­‐qualified participants the five teams with the highest rankings earn the right to play in the Olympic Qualification tournament. The same applies for the women’s competition, though there only Spain has booked its place in the Olympics.

XXXIV LEN European Water Polo Championships 2020
Mascot and KAP Seven official championships ball. Photo: Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

The European Championships kick off on Sunday with the first round of the women’s preliminaries, the men start their competition on Tuesday. The finals are due on 25-­‐26 January.

LEN shall offer free live streaming on its website (www.len.eu) from each game with English commentary. Photos, game highlights and exclusive interviews will also be available on the social media platforms during the next fortnight.

Get more information HERE.

Less than a month until European Water Polo Championship in Budapest

There is less than a month until the European Water Polo Championship starts in Budapest, and the president of the Hungarian Water Polo Association has revealed that the preparations for the event are going well.

Attila Vári thanked supporters, the Hungarian government and the team of over one hundred people who work in the background on Monday’s press conference, reported Origo.

David Székely, editor-in-chief of M4 Sport, emphasised that during the year of the Olympics it is even more important to show how successful Hungarian athletes are. He added that they are confident that, just like at the 2017 Wet World Championship, Hungarian teams will fight for medals again on the home field.

He also said that they are especially preparing for the continental battle, the Hungarian matches will be broadcast from 7 PM, commentated by István Hajdú B.

He hopes spectators will have a busy two days on January 25 and 26, as on these dates medal battles are held in the Danube Arena and the European Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Debrecen.

Gergely Csurka, press officer of the European Association (LEN), said that the organisation had already held its last check-in in Budapest, which has shown that preparations to be indeed very well underway. He explained that in addition to broadcasting M4 Sport in at least 30 countries, matches would be available on LEN’s website worldwide.

The event introduced the European Championship mascot as well, which will be the main character of the popular Hungarian cartoon Vízipók-csodapók.

The main sponsors of the European Championship will be E.ON Hungária Zrt., Szerencsejáték Zrt., Gránit Bank Zrt. and Porsche Hungaria.

The European Championship will take place between January 12 and 26, with teams from 16 countries for men and 12 for women. An Olympic quota is available for both genders.

In another article, Origo also reported, that Attila Bíró, the captain of the Hungarian women’s water polo team, had announced his 19-member group for the European Championship.

“I have invited the nineteen players who have a realistic chance of joining the European Championship Thirteen. There’s a lot of water training and conditioning training, and we will do everything that can fit into these three weeks,” Bíró said.

The group started training last week, with two sessions a day; the coach had also revealed that this would be the shortest time for preparation the group will have because of the holidays.

They will play five official matches before the start of the European Championships in Russia and Greece where World League battles await them and play an international tournament in Dunaújváros in early January.

The framework of the Hungarian national team:
Goalkeepers: Edina Gangl (UVSE), Orsolya Kasó (FTC), Alda Magyari (Eger)
field players: Dóra Antal (UVSE), Dóra Csabai (FTC), Kamilla Caragó (UVSE), Krisztina Garda (Dunaújváros), Gréta Gurisatti (Dunaújváros), Anikó Gyöngyössy (BVSC), Brigitta Horváth (DTC), Anna Illés (FTC) Rita Keszthelyi (UVSE), Dóra Leimeter (BVSC), Zsuzsanna Máté (FTC), Rebecca Parkes (UVSE), Natasa Rybanska (UVSE), Dorottya Szilágyi (Eger), Gabriella Szücs (UVSE), Vanda Vályi (Dunaújváros)

You can catch the national team on:

December 17: Russia-Hungary – World Cup Qualifier
December 23: Greece-Hungary – World Cup Qualifier
January 4-6: Preparatory gymnastics, Dunaújváros (Hungary, Greece, France, China)

Find out more about sports HERE and check out the Related articles section below for more content like this!

Hungary’s got it! – 2027: FINA World Championship again in Budapest!

FINA Budapest

After 2017, Budapest will once again host one of the most important sporting event in the world, FINA World Championship in 2027 – announced by Gergely Csurka, reporter of Nemzeti Sport. The decision was later confirmed by Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) and the Hungarian Swimming Association.

The conclusive presentation – before the final vote – was held in English by:

  • Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky – Budapest Mayor’s Deputy;
  • Dániel Gyurta – Olympic champion swimmer, Member of the International Olympic Committee;
  • Balázs Fürjes – Leader of the proposal, Minister of State for the development of Budapest and the international sports competition;
  • Dávid Szántó – International leader of the Hungarian Swimming Federation.

As nemzetisport.hu describes, co-presidency of the tender committee was represented by:

  • Sándor Wladár – Olympic champion, President of the Hungarian Swimming Association;
  • Ágnes Kovács – Olympic champion swimmer;
  • Dénes Kemény – Coach of the triple Olympic champion Hungarian water polo team;
  • Attila Vári – Double Olympic water polo champion, president of the Hungarian Water Polo Association.

Regarding the decision, Julio Cesar Maglione, President of FINA pointed out that two years ago the Hungarian capital organised the best World Cup ever, and no doubt that this opportunity will be provided again to Budapest.

 

FINA Budapest2
Image: Julio Cesar Maglione, President of FINA; Source: MTI

According to Balázs Fürjes, FINA’s decision is based on trust. One of the world’s most prestigious international sports organisation trusts Hungarians trusts Budapest and holds Hungary in high esteem.

This is a shared success of Hungarian champions, Hungarian sports and Budapest – described in the announcement.

Within the framework of the tender, our opponents were such countries as China, the United States, Australia, Serbia and Ukraine; however, Greensboro of the US cancelled its application. 

“Thousands of visitors attend the World Cup from abroad, a great mass of high spending guests arrive at the capital during this period. Additionally, several hundred million people in the world see Budapest’s most beautiful face on television, in newspapers, online platforms, which serves as an inestimable marketing tool. As a result, Budapest will gain more reputation, it will be more popular and frequently visited. We can cheer together again for Hungarian victory, which enhances our nation’s self-esteem and strengthens the feeling of togetherness “- said Balázs Fürjes.

Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Budapest Mayor’s Deputy considers it a great honour that – after the successful 2017 World Cup – Budapest will give place again for the world’s most prestigious sporting event. She also emphasised that still then, several people visit the embellished Margaret Island; thousands of sportsmen, families, and children use every day the renovated Császár-Komjádi swimming pool, Hajós Alfréd National Swimming Pool, and the world’s best Olympic-size swimming pool, Danube Arena.

FINA Budapest3
Image: Team of the Hungarian representatives; Source: MTI

According to Sándor Wladár – President of the Hungarian Swimming Federation – Hungarian swimming sport will be significantly boosted by the new event organisation.

“Our contestants return with medals from all over the world, but the support of the audience, relatives, and friends serves as a huge extra motivation. Several youngsters jump into the swimming pool, hoping that someday they will experience it as a World Cup athlete “- written in the announcement.

In 2021, the World Cup will be held at Fukuoka – it is the second time that the Japanese city will host the event after 2001 -; while in 2023 it will be organised in Doha. The 2025 World Cup will also “return” to a former host place, the Russian Kazan.

Budapest – which organized the water sports top event together with Balatonfüred in 2017 – is the 6th city that gives place to the World Cup for the second time – along with Perth (1991, 1998), Rome (1994, 2009), Barcelona (2003, 2013), Fukuoka (2001, 2021) and Kazan (2015, 2025).

Featured image: MTI

Hungary has one of the biggest Olympic gold collections – VIDEO

It might come as a surprise, but even though Hungary is smaller and less densely populated than its rivals were at each Olympic Games, it is among the countries with the most Olympic gold medals, argues Heti Világgazdaság.

Hungary was not only there at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 but has always returned with several gold trophies. The devoted sportsmen and -women placed Hungary among those distinguished nations which won the most gold medals at the Games, despite the fact that Hungary is smaller both in size and in population than the rest of the top gold medallists.

The years where Hungary did not make it into the top 10 are right after World War I: in Antwerp in 1920 (not invited), in Paris in 1924, in Amsterdam in 1928 and in Los Angeles in 1932. However, by 1936, Hungary regained its strength. In 1984, Hungary did not participate again.

The video below illustrates the top 10 gold winners each year from 1896 until 2016.

So who are those winners who Hungary is the proudest of? Aladár Gerevich (fencer) and Ágnes Keleti (gymnast) must be noted first, as they have won the most medals as far as Hungary is concerned, with 10-10 medals each. Gerevich is also the top gold winner, having won 7 gold medals. He is followed by two other fencers with 6-6 golds, Pál Kovács and Rudolf Kárpáti.

The most well-known Hungarian Olympic champion of today is easily Katinka Hosszú, the Iron Lady.

So far, the swimming legend has amassed 7 Olympic golds and holds world records in each of the five medley events.

Before her, the female star swimmer of Hungary was Krisztina Egerszegi, who won five golds at the Olympics, but the most important thing is that she was the first Hungarian female swimmer to win a gold at the Olympic Games.

Last but not least, let us not forget about the greatest victory in the history of Hungarian water-polo, the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, which was right after the Hungarian Revolution, and was boycotted by several countries. The Hungarian team managed to beat the Soviet team 4-0 thanks to Ervin Zádor. The “Blood in the Water” match got Hungary an Olympic gold.

featured image: Doha Stadium Plus Qatar 

Hungary’s men water polo team enjoys World Cup glory after a 19-year hiatus

Water Polo World Cup success

Hungary Men cruised past Australia 10-4 in the FINA World Cup final in Berlin to secure their first title in this competition since 1999.

FINA Men’s World Cup, Berlin
Final
Hungary 10-4 Australia (2-1, 2-1, 4-0, 2-2)

HUNGARY: Kardos – Manhercz 4, Zalánki 2, Német, Jansik D., Kovács G., Pásztor 2. Replacements: Jansik Sz., Mezei, Bátori 2, Pohl. Head coach: Tamás Märcz

AUSTRALIA: Dennerly – Campbell, G. Ford, L. Edwards, Younger 1, Howden, B. Edwards. Replacements: Kayes 1, Hollis, Power 1, A. Ford. 1. Head coach: Elvis Fatovic

Hungary’s World-Cup winning squad (surnames first)
Goalkeepers: Kardos Gergely (Szolnok), Vogel Soma (FTC)
Outfield players: Bátori Bence (Szolnok), Jansik Dávid (Szolnok), Jansik Szilárd (FTC), Kovács Gergő (Eger), Manhercz Krisztián (FTC), Mezei Tamás (Szolnok), Nagy Ádám (Miskolc), Német Toni (FTC), Pásztor Mátyás (BVSC), Pohl Zoltán (FTC), Zalánki Gergő (Szolnok)
(clubs correct at time of selection)

Other results

For 7th place
Japan 21-9 South Africa

For 5th place
USA 7-10 Croatia

For 3rd place
Serbia 15-9 Germany

Featured image: www.facebook.com/VLV-magyar férfi vízilabda-válogatott

Outrage! – 11-year-old raped by water polo players

abuse harassment crime

According to the developing story, an 11-year-old girl was a victim of sexual abuse by two well-known water polo players. The girl’s parents reported the case to the police who have now started an investigation – reports index.hu.

Various sources claim that the perpetrators are water polo players, one of them an Olympics champion while the other a family man. The incident took place in a sports club, in a town near Budapest.

The girl, now 13, was sexually abused by her own trainer and another water polo player. She is scheduled to go under examinations by a psychologist as well as a gynaecologist next week.

The police’s reply to inquiries was that the Pest County Police Department is responsible for the case and they are the ones investigating the circumstances. The perpetrators are accused of committing sexual abuse against a minor, but no other details have been revealed so far.

The girl kept what had happened to her in secret for years, in part out of the shame so commonly felt by victims – it is important to note that 1 in 5 women in Hungary is a victim of violence against women. Some of her teammates also encouraged her to keep it to herself,

however, she could not take it any longer and wrote down everything that was committed against her in a hand-written letter to an acquaintance.

She detailed the locations, circumstances and sexual acts that she had to suffer through. It was her family that reported the case, with this letter attached.

The police promised to prioritise the case and take investigative actions within the next few days.

Among related news, make sure to read this article about Harvey Weinstein’s abuse of one of his employees while filming in Budapest.

Hungarians knock out world champions Croatia to reach World League last four

Water polo hungary

According to waterpolo.hu, our men’s water polo national team were superb in drawing 6-6 with world champions Croatia and then avenged that defeat in the final last year by winning 4-2 on penalties in the Duna Aréna to reach the World League semi-finals where they’ll play Japan at 18:15 today.

It was job done when Hungary beat Japan in their last group-stage fixture, thus ensuring that a repeat of last year’s FINA World Championship final between the hosts and Croatia would take place in the Duna Aréna, this time at the quarter-final stage.

“It will be a great duel”.

However, what must also be taken into account is that nine members of that Croatian squad including key man Sandro Sukno have since retired, while for Hungary six players have ended their international careers. Therefore, this match-up was a very different affair.

For a start, there was no early four-goal advantage handed to the visitors, instead both teams defending stoutly and only conceding once in each of the first two quarters. Left-hander Gergő Zalánki equalised for the hosts after Croatia had taken an early lead from their third player-advantage situation, but Viktor Nagy was still the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first quarter.

Into the second period and again Hungary ceded the initiative, Bijac saving from Krisztián Manhercz before Krapic put Croatia ahead again and Nagy and his defence withstood a subsequent Croatian onslaught, a rearguard action which meant Márton Vámos’ left-hand howitzer levelled the scores at 2-2 as the teams reached the halfway stage.

Thankfully the pattern of the game changed after the break.. in Hungary’s favour! The defence remained almost impenetrable but soon the attack came to the fore, Krisztián Bedő cancelling out Milos’ goal for the visitors and Dániel Angyal and Zalánki both scoring to put HUngary 5-3 up. Unfortunately Vrlic halved the deficit with just nine seconds left of the third quarter.

Water polo hungary
Photo: MTI

Bedő has been in fine form all tournament and he scored again early in the final quarter, only for Buslje to reply in kind. Balázs Erdélyi threw a fierce shot into the side netting and Zalánki hit the woodwork as Hungary lost accuracy at crucial times, but just as important was Nagy’s erstwhile fine form which preserved the home team’s slender advantage. Alas, this only lasted until 1:33 bfore the end when Dávid Jansik was permanently excluded via substitution and Vukicevic capitalised to restore parity.

There were still chances for wither side to to score a winning goal but neither could take them, Angyal blocking a Croatian shot superbly at one poit to ensure a 6-6 draw and a decisive penalty shootout. For us, Vámos, Zalánki, Bence Bátori and Erdélyi were on target but Garcia missed for Croatia and Nagy saved Fatovic’s effort to send Hungary through to the semi-finals as 4-2 victors in the shootout.

Japan then shocked the USA 11-10 to secure a rematch between the two teams just 48 hours after their last meeting.

Men’s World League Super finals, Budapest, Duna Aréna

Quarter-finals

Hungary 6–6 Croatia (1–1, 1–1, 3–2, 1–2) – 4–2 to Hungary on pens
Referees: Colominas (ESP), Flahive (AUS)

HUNGARY: Nagy V. – Vámos 1, Mezei, Jansik D., Kovács G., Erdélyi, Bátori. Replacements: Angyal 1, Manhercz, Zalánki 2, Bedő 2, Pohl. Head coach: Tamás Märcz

CROATIA: Bijac – Fatovic, Buljabasic, Vukicevic 1, Vrlic 1, Setka, Garcia. Replacements: Benic, Krapic 1, Milos 2, Buslje 1, Basic. Head coach: Ivica Tucak

We’re a young team at the start of our journey – Hungarian water polo matches in the Duna Aréna

water polo Hungary Australia

According to waterpolo.hu, Tamás Märcz’s young charges were more than a match for Montenegro in the first three-quarters of their match yesterday but with the score at 9-9, Vladimir Gojkovic’s team scored three unanswered goals to decide the match. According to Hungarian head coach, our team has nothing to be ashamed of, while Márton Vámos says the team is just at the start of its journey.

As reported earlier, Hungary Men suffered a tight 12-9 defeat at the hands of neighbours Montenegro in the Duna Aréna on Tuesday night, and they won on Wednesday with their final group match against Japan (14-7).

“We’ve nothing to be ashamed of!”, Hungary head coach Tamás Märcz said as he started his appraisal of Tuesday’s defeat.

“Montenegro are a strong team but played well against them and were in with a chance of victory until they punished our mistakes at the end.

There were many positives in the match – we played well at the start, although I also saw mistakes which we’ll need to correct; I’m firstly thinking here of lack of belief and accuracy”.

Márton Vámos was also impressed by much of the team’s performance and says they need to play many more of these types of matches: “We went into the match as we did the first game – in every match there is much significance in which team scores the first goal and it’s important to take a symbolic lead. Even if this wasn’t proven at the end here or during the bad defeat in the Europa Cup, we did give it credence by playing well for three quarters of this water polo game. In the fourth period, their key players took the chance of victory away from us. We’re a young team and we’re at the start of our journey so we need to play as many of these types of matches as possible and sooner or later we’ll learn that we too can pull in this kind of match right at the end. Unfortunately we made the Montenegro keeper look good and I fired my last shot straight at him so he could hardly avoid it, but that is part of the game. We need to play more matches like this one so that we know how to play at the end because a contest doesn’t last only three quarters but rather four, and if it’s a draw after that then penalties can come into play, which is a mini-contest in itself”, Vámos explained.

In regard to the crowd in the Duna Aréna, Vámos was effusive in his praise:

“Whether it was the 2014 European Championship at home, last year’s World Championship on Margaret Island or the World League Super finals, the fans’ love always fills us with positivity but they don’t place any burden or pressure on us.

The crowd were fantastic and it was almost full in the Duna Aréna today. I hope just as many come out for the match tomorrow against Japan and not just for today against Montenegro”.

[button link=”https://dailynewshungary.com/duna-arena-to-host-events-beyond-swimming/” type=”big” color=”purple” newwindow=”yes”] DUNA ARÉNA IN BUDAPEST TO HOST EVENTS BEYOND SWIMMING[/button]

 

Final standings:

1. Montenegro 9 pts, 2. Hungary 6, 3. Australia 3, 4. Japan 0

FINA Men’s Water Polo World League starts today in Budapest!

waterpolo hungary vízilabda

Waterpolo.hu reports that the Hungarian water polo team has gathered together on Thursday night, after their well-deserved rest following the Final Eight that took place in Genova. The FINA Water Polo World League men’s tournament starts on Monday in Budapest.

The Hungarian team consists of Dániel Angyal, Bence Bátori, Krisztián Bedő, Dávid Jansik, Gergely Kardos, Gergő Kovács, Tamás Mezei, Viktor Nagy and Gergő Zalánki, coached by Tamás Märcz.

The Hungarian sports website Waterpolo.hu gives a detailed behind-the-scenes tour on the team’s Thursday training: first, they had hit the gym for an hour, where trainer György Zala made sure that every muscle is ready to dive deep. This was followed by the training in their ‘natural habitat’, the pool.

waterpolo vizilabda

Upon inquiring about how well-rested the team is after the numerous national and international tournaments, one of the team members, Tamás Mezei, replied that

he is feeling well, having made use of the time they were given for resting, but this question should be put after the first water training.

This easily applies to the rest of the team.

The Hungarian team placed fifth in Genova during the weekend, which left a bittersweet taste: they are disappointed about not having won the competition. As they have put it, a sportsman is always competing to win and to get the shiniest medal. Still, at the same time, they are happy to have played in the final eight, which was only a dream for many teams. However, the team won the last two rounds that they have participated in.

[button link=”https://dailynewshungary.com/top-swimmers-arrive-to-duna-arena/” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Since last year’s FINA Championship, Budapest is flooded with aquatics events: a month ago it hosted the FINA Artistic Swimming World Series[/button]

Mezei, who just signed over to the national team from Szolnok, further digressed that the team did not have much time to ‘mourn’, as they have a new task ahead, the tournament on Monday. “Every player works toward the goal of making it into the national thirteen, so do I. During the weeks of training we all want to get into our best physical and mental shapes”, said the water polo player.

Another team member, Balázs Erdélyi, explained that so far the Hungarian team had a hard time while preparing, as their numbers were not full, so they rather concentrated on stamina and swimming, not on actual team training. Other teams are faced with such difficulties too, but there is one further challenged added to this for the Hungarian national:

the team is made up of many new members, several changes were made compared to last year.

Erdélyi expressed his delight that the Hungarian national team is finally complete, with the following words: “There is a lot of work ahead of us, but this is no excuse, as all teams go through this from time to time. Despite this, there are expectations on the side of the supporters, the media and even on our side to which we have to live up to. It can be said both about the old and new members that they really want to prove themselves. This gives a good building ground, and we trust that this ambition will be soon paired with great skills”.

The Hungarian team

Goalies: Gergely Kardos (joined from Szolnok), Viktor Nagy (Szolnok) Dániel Szakonyi (BVSC), Soma Vogel (FTC)
Fielders: Dániel Angyal (Eger), Bence Bátori (Szolnok), Krisztián Bedő (Eger), Balázs Erdélyi (OSC), Dávid Jansik (Szolnok), Szilárd Jansik (FTC), Gergő Kovács (Eger), Krisztián Manhercz (FTC), Tamás Mezei (Szolnok), Ádám Nagy (Miskolc), Toni Német (FTC), Zoltán Pohl (FTC), Tamás Sedlmayer (FTC), Béla Török (BVSC), Viktor Vadovics (Miskolc), Márton Vámos (FTC), Gergő Zalánki (Szolnok).

Grouping

Group A: Australia, Montenegro, Japan, Hungary
Group B: USA, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Spain

Program A

Group games, round 1 – Monday, 18 June
Croatia – Kazakhstan, 15:15
Montenegro – Japan, 16:45
USA – Spain, 18:15
Opening ceremony, 19:30
Australia – Hungary, 20:15

Group games, round 2 – Tuesday, 19 June
Australia – Japan, 15:15
Croatia – Spain, 16:45
Montenegro – Hungary, 18:15
USA – Kazakhstan, 19:45

Group games, round 3 – Wednesday, 20 June
Croatia – USA, 15:15
Montenegro – Australia, 16:45
Kazakhstan – Spain, 18:15
Japan – Hungary, 20:00

Quarter finals – Thursday, 21 June
A2–B3, 15:15
A3–B2, 16:45
A1–B4, 18:15
A4–B1, 19:45

Qualifiers, 1. – Friday, 22 June
Places 5-8 – 15:15 and 16:45
Pre-finals – 18:15 and 19:45

Qualifiers, 2. – Saturday, 23 June

Place 7 – 15:15
Place 5 – 16:45
Place 3 – 18:15
Finals – 19:45

Venue:

photos: Madar Dávid/MVLSZ via waterpolo.hu

The largest swimming complex in Budapest to reopen! – Duna Aréna – EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

duna aréna swimming pool complex water

Duna Arena is the largest indoor water complex in the Hungarian capital, and it was significantly developed after last year’s FINA World Championship. Now its capability to host worldwide water sports events is even better. Visitors may also use the services of the most modern swimming complex soon.

Due to the decision of FINA, Budapest has been the venue of the association’s world championship in 2017. However, the Hungarian capital did not have the appropriate complex to host such an event, so the government decided to construct a scalable arena for the championship and other upcoming water sports events. The process was finished in an incredibly short time by 2017.

duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water

The new building was named Duna Arena, and it was the venue of FINA World Championship and FINA Masters World Championship. There has been full house throughout the entire event, so more than 10,000 people could cheer for their favourite contenders at the same time.

duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water

The transformation process began right after the end of the world championship because the building’s capacity extended with the scaffolding will be “only” 6,000 people at the end. The remodelling has begun in September 2017, and its reopening is scheduled between 18 and 20 May, at the time of the FINA Artistic Swimming World Series. A month later, Duna Arena will be the venue of the Artistic Swimming Junior World Championship.

duna aréna swimming pool complex water
duna aréna swimming pool complex water

The complex was designed to serve sportsmen (swimmers, water polo players, synchronised swimmers, artistic divers) not only during the competitions but also provide an opportunity for training. According to the announcements, hobbyist swimmers and athletes will also be allowed to visit the arena every day, all day long. The building will include shops, changing rooms, training rooms, buffets; moreover, the original plans also involves a restaurant and an event hall, not to mention the VIP auditorium, the offices and conference rooms.



Dagály Bath will also be renewed, though the company operating the building did not determine the exact schedule yet. Still, as it can be seen on these photos, the pools are already completed, so only minor works are left. Let us hope that swimmers may enjoy its services as soon as possible.

Photos: Daily News Hungary

Budapest becoming the center of water sports

Budapest will host LEN’s annual congress on 2 June 2018 due to the decision of the international organization’s assembly on Friday in Copenhagen, as M4 Sport reported. The preparations for the international event will be carried out by the Hungarian Swimming Association (MÚSZ) and BP2017 Nkft. It was the latter that hosted the professionally and economically successful FINA World Championship 2017.

LEN’s finance manager Tamás Gyárfás stated that he managed to have an agreement with president Paolo Barelli about Rome’s withdrawal. This means that LEN Büro decided on Friday in Copenhagen that it will be Budapest that hosts next year’s congress.

“We welcome everyone to Budapest”, president of MÚSZ Sándor Wladár claimed at the assembly. He was introduced by Paolo Barelli as the champion of 200-meter backstroke at the Olympics in Moscow.

Wladár added that “Hungarian water sports are in good hands, as those people manage it who have them in their genes.”

Managing director Éva Szántó and finance director Sándor Balogh represented BP2017 Nkft. in Copenhagen and they presented the plans for the congress. The event was hosted in Hotel InterContinental.

Tamás Gyárfás added, after the assembly: “The leaders of water sports loved Budapest too much because of the professional execution of the world championship and the European championships before that. I can say, with a bit of exaggeration, that we have achieved that, whenever a host is needed for an event, the first question the international association or the leadership of FINA and LEN asks: is Budapest available for the task? The competition is only initiated if the answer is no… It is an honor for everyone who took part in the preparation and execution of past years’ events.”

A whole lot of international water sports events are ready to be hosted in Hungary.

An open water world championship is due in Balatonfüred (16 June 2018) and one of the stations of the swimming world championship will also be in Hungary in late summer or early autumn. A part of the synchronized swimming World Series opens in the Duna Aréna in May, followed by the junior championship of synchronized swimmers and the men’s junior water polo world championships in Szombathely.

Open water world championships and swimming world cups seem to be recurring events. Budapest will host all the European championships (water polo in January, swimming, diving and synchronized swimming in May, open water swimming in June) in 2020. Duna Aréna will be the venue of the short course swimming world championships in 2024.

Photo: Facebook.com/dunaarenabudapest

FINA – Budapest2017: At swimming worlds, Hungary deserves biggest gold of all – SwimSwam

by Rob Penner/SwimSwam

The World Championships came to a close earlier this month and it always takes a week or two to reflect back and absorb some of the great performances that we witnessed, along with the event’s overall impact on the sport and the global sporting landscape.

I have the unique perspective in that the last world championships I attended were the 1998 FINA World Championships in Perth, Australia. Yes, those were the last Swimming Worlds that did not have a swimmer named either Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte competing in them — so my Worlds experiences have bookended the Michael Phelps era.

The 2017 FINA World Masters Championships ended in Hungary

“It will be very hard to outshine Budapest”, said Mohamed Diop, the Supervisor of FINA Bureau’s Masters Committee at the closing ceremony of the 2017 FINA World Masters Championships. This marks the end of a phenomenal month for Budapest and Balatonfüred when the two cities turned into the home and capital of water sports.

The World Masters Championships started on the 7th of August, one week after the FINA World Championships had ended, and finished on the 20th of August. The two weeks were quite eventful as one-time professional swimmers took turns in the water and impressed the whole world with their persistence, still amazing physique and zest for life.

According to masters.fina-budapest2017.com, the history of the master events started a few decades ago. After initiations from several organisations, the newly elected FINA President Robert Helmick proposed to the Bureau in 1984 that the international federation take Masters under its wing. The preparation processes started and special rules were drawn up so that Masters could join the FINA family and events, and the members of a Masters Committee were appointed.

Photo: MTI

The first championships were held in Tokyo in 1986, under the rules of FINA. Swimming remained the only sport at the event until 1990, since then, all five disciplines form parts of the show. According to the format introduced in 2015, the FINA World Masters Championships has to be held alongside the main event, as its integral part.

The events of the Masters Championships took place at four competition venues: three in Budapest, and one in Balatonfüred for the open water swimming races. Similarly to the elite competitions, the main venues were the Danube Aquatics Arena (swimming, diving), the Alfréd Hajós Complex (water polo) and the City Park (synchronised swimming).

Photo: MTI

The minimum age limit at the championships was 25 in most disciplines (except for water polo – 30), which is determined by the actual age of the competitor as of December 31st of the year of the competitions. The participants were listed in five-year age groups as high as is necessary.

As we reported, several records were broken by amazing athletes, who still find joy in sport and know no age limits. The oldest male athlete at the championships was the 97-year-old Hungarian veteran, Béla Bánki Horváth, while the oldest female participant was the 96-year-old American Emilie Kornfeld. She was the only one who entered the 800 m freestyle event in the 95-99 age group, and managed to set a new world record with an amazing performance.

The incredible Béla Bánki Horváth – Photo: MTI

All in all, more than ten thousand athletes participated at the World Masters Championships. More than four thousand swimmers were present in the Danube Arena for the relay events just on Friday. Team Hungary did very well, they collected 121 medals: 42 gold, 44 silver and 35 bronze.

The biggest sensation for Hungarians was certainly the victory of the Millennium 40+ water polo team, which was made up of former Olympic Champions. It was a real privilege to see the legends reunite and play gracefully. Just like before, no one could come close to them, they simply dominated the field. Tibor Benedek believes that friendship and love were the key ingredients of the victory.

Coach Dénes Kemény and Tamás Varga – Photo: MTI

Hungarians also dominated the 30+ category in women’s water polo, with excellent athletes from the 1994 World Champion team. Besides these two outstanding victories, Hungary won seven more medals in water polo.

Budakalász SC, the winner of the 30+ category – Photo: MTI

Hungarian divers are also worth mentioning, because they competed outstandingly well. They won 19 medals (8 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze). Our open water swimmers collected four medals, while the crowd could rejoice at the success of the Hungarian synchronised swimmers seven times. A curiosity is that some members of the Organising Committee also participated in certain events. For instance, Levente Nagy-Pál won a bronze medal in open water swimming.

Swimming events were the most popular among Hungarian Masters athletes, which is reflected in the number of medals: they won 83 medals, 66 in individual events and 17 in relay events. Furthermore, the most successful Hungarian athlete of the championships was Valter Kalaus, who won three gold and three silver medals, plus a fourth place.

Katalin Flóra, the world record holder of 200 m medley in the 80-84 age group – Photo: MTI

To sum up, the 2017 FINA Masters World Championships ran its course perfectly. Budapest and Balatonfüred welcomed phenomenal athletes who know no limits. The FINA leaders called it the best Masters event ever, hopefully, the athletes agree with this statement 🙂

Featured image: MTI

ce: ZsK

US Olympic and World Champion Maggie Steffens signed a contract with Hungarian club

Hungary’s best women’s water polo team, UVSE struck a deal with two-time US Olympic and World Champion Water Polo Player Maggie Steffens reported the Hungarian Water Polo Federation.

Steffens is the second world class athlete that will play in the Hungarian club starting the next season.

Earlier, Dutch World and European Champion Vivian Sevenich signed a contract with the Hungarian club.

24-year-old Steffens was a member of the American team that won gold medal at FINA World Championships in Budapest this summer.

By contracting the two best water polo players of the world, UVSE will continue to be one of the strongest teams in Europe, which has a good chance of winning the Euroleague gold medal in the next season.

Photo: MTI

The 17th FINA Masters World Championship has begun in Budapest

Yesterday, on the 7th of August 2017, the 17th FINA Masters World Championship kicked off at Budapest. Following the biggest Aquatics World Championship ever, spectators and fans can root for our favourite Olympics, Europe- and World Champions.

The Aquatics World Championship’s competition venues have been filled already at 8 o’clock yesterday with sportsmen and women and fans, as the 17th FINA Masters World Championship has begun – said Miklós Borsa, the spokesman of Bp2017 Nkft. The water polo games have started in Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium, the synchronised swimming numbers’ venue is the Városliget, and the diving numbers are taking place at the Danube Arena.

Executive Director of FINA: Cornel Marculescu, photo: mti

Miklós Borsa’s briefing also revealed that competitors are arriving in great numbers at the Masters Championship. There are four times more competitors taking part in the numbers and games than in the elite championship: almost 10,000 sportsmen registered from 92 countries.

There are approximately 6500 masters swimmers, 540 synchronised swimmers, 1200 pelagian swimmers and 340 divers, and 120 water polo teams, which is the maximum number allowed of competing teams in this number.

The organisers are expecting a great number of spectators cheering at the venues, as there are no entrance fees to the games. For example, the tickets for the Millenium water polo team’s matches – some of which took place yesterday, and the rest taking place today – have run out just in a couple minutes already at the pre-registration. The reason for this is the great interest in the team which members are fan-favourite Olympic athletes.

Although the numbers have begun yesterday in the morning, the official opening ceremony of the masters championship took place only at 8:30 pm yesterday evening. The venue for the ceremony was the spectator zone at Margaret Island, the participation was free. The organisers have put up a special show to welcome the almost 10,000 competitors and fans. Among others, the ExperiDance group and the Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra performed.

Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra, photo: mti

Further good news for those interested in Hungary’s and the FINA’s biggest sports event is that yesterday the Budapest 2017 Masters app was launched, which is the official mobile application of the 17th FINA Masters World Championship. You can stay updated on the games, as there are news, programmes, interviews, videos and photos about the event available on the app. It is compatible with Windows, Android and iOS operating systems.

The spectator zones await fans with interesting and colourful programs during the championship. For example, yesterday before the opening ceremony the Millenium team’s match was screened at the spectator zone at Margaret Island. The Millenium team played with the Turkish team, where the previous won.

Millenium (Hungary) vs Galatasaray (Turkey), photo: MTI

featured photo: www.fina.org

What the FINA World Aquatics Championships meant for Hungary – PHOTOS

“The best FINA World Championships ever” said Julio C. Maglione, the president of FINA at the closing ceremony, referring to the past two weeks, which was characterised by outstanding performances from the athletes, teams, organisers, volunteers and fans.

It’s amazing to see how a worldwide sporting event can move people. Everyone becomes a fan, a supporter, even people who otherwise don’t follow sport competitions. Seeing people with red-white-green face paint, flags, wigs and crazy attires just makes you want to cheer even louder. You feel grateful for being part of such a unique atmosphere.

A cheering fan – Photo: MTI

These past two weeks were somewhat reminiscent of last year’s Euro2016 fever, when the Hungarian national football team brought together the whole nation. Still, the 17th FINA World Championships was different. We felt like it was ours. We felt like we all contributed to it in a way.

Hungary has always been successful in water sports, so an event like this meant the apotheosis of our athletes. But the audience enthusiastically celebrated sportspeople from other countries as well. The athletes held everyone spellbound as they stepped onto the starting block and jumped into the water. Water is wonderful, powerful and it connects us.

The venue choices played a major role in creating a fantastic atmosphere. The Danube Arena was the home of the swimming and diving competitions. The organising committee had two years to prepare for the event and to build a world-class, modern arena that could present these disciplines. Even though it might have seemed impossible, they managed to do so. The Danube Arena turned out to be perfect. It had all the necessary facilities, high standard pools and 12,000 seats. You can imagine how the arena exploded from the cheering fans when a Hungarian athlete entered the competition zone.

Moving on to Balatonfüred, the home of the open water swimming competitions. This was the first championship that was hosted by two cities. Balatonfüred has been the home of open water swimming competitions for years, so no one doubted the successful execution. Besides, Lake Balaton is very special for Hungarians, it represents our relationship with water. Hopefully the World Championships was able to attract more attention to the “Hungarian Sea” and its incredible neighbourhood.

The synchronised swimming events were held in the City Park, in a temporary pool, in front of the scenic Vajdahunyad Castle. Several athletes emphasized that they have never competed in such a beautiful environment. It was truly gorgeous and complemented the beauty of synchronised swimming.

The most spectacular events, the high diving competitions were held in a similarly picturesque location. The tower was set up at Batthyány Square, which meant that the background of the dives was the Parliament. Everyone watched the athletes in awe. Again, the location perfectly complemented the mightiness of the discipline. How could anyone top this off?

Last but not least, the Margaret Island and the Hajós Alfréd Complex was the home of the water polo competitions. No other location could’ve been a better choice considering that the complex is the Mecca of water polo. The vibe was amazing there as well. Imagine thousands of people screaming “RIA-RIA-HUNGÁRIA” almost fanatically every day.

It definitely felt like Hungary was able to live up to the expectations. Our athletes finished in the 9th place of the medal table, which is phenomenal considering that only “world powers” came before us. Katinka Hosszú was the N°1 star of the team, she won two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal. She took the whole collection home.

The Iron Lady – Photo: MTI

New stars were born at the World Championships. We must highlight the 17-year-old Kristóf Milák, who stunned everyone with his silver medal in 100 m butterfly. Also, we cannot forget about the living legend, László Cseh, who won a silver medal in 200 m butterfly, which was a very emotional race with his good friend, Chad le Clos. This was László’s 8th world championships, it’s no surprise that journalists struggle to find adjectives to describe his exceptional career.

Chad le Clos and László Cseh – Photo: MTI

Dávid Verrasztó returned with a beautiful silver medal on the last day in 400 m medley. The 5th silver medal was won by the Hungarian men’s water polo team, who marched into the final confidently, but couldn’t manage to tackle the Croatian team in the end. Nevertheless, their performance was outstanding throughout the two weeks and they deserved the shining silver medal.

Silver boys – Photo: MTI

The other bronze medal marks the success of the men’s 4×100 m freestyle relay team. The event was held on the first day of the swimming competitions, nobody could’ve dreamt of a better start.

The freestyle relay team – Photo: MTI

All in all, based on the feedback, it seems like Hungary fulfilled the challenge and put up a well-organised world championship. People like Éva Szántó, the managing director of Bp2017, and Sándor Balogh, the Finance Director of the FINA Aquatics Championships, did a great job along with the other members of the committee.

We might be biased, but we are honestly thankful that we could be part of the 17th FINA World Championships. It was an amazing experience, which hopefully reached many people around the world. Congratulations to the amazing athletes and everyone who contributed to the event!

Ce: bm

Featured image: MTI

FINA Aquatics, 16th day – Silver medals day for Hungary

The United States won the mixed 4×100 m freestyle relay event with a new world record of 3:19.60 minutes in the 17th World Aquatics Championships in Budapest on Saturday. Katie Ledecky of the United States won the women’s 800 m freestyle event. Caeleb Dressel of the United States won the men’s 100 m butterfly event, Kristóf Milák took 2nd place. Sarah Sjöström of Sweden won the women’s 50 m butterfly event in the 17th World Aquatics Championships. Emily Seebohm of Australia won the women’s 200 m backstroke event, Katinka Hosszú took silver medal. Rhiannan Iffland of Australia won the women’s 20 metre high diving event. Water polo: Croatia was able to beat the host team Hungary in the grand final of 17th FINA World Championships in the Hajós Alfréd Complex thanks to a great first quarter and three goals from captain Sandro Sukno.

United States wins mixed 4×100 m freestyle relay with world record

Results:

1. United States 3:19.60 min

2. Netherlands 3:21.81

3. Canada 3:23.55

Ledecky wins women’s 800 m freestyle

Results:  

1. Katie Ledecky (USA) 8:12.68 min

2. Bingjie Li (CHN) 8:15.46

3. Leah Smith (USA) 8:17.22

Dressel wins men’s 100 m butterfly

Results:

1. Caeleb Dressel (USA) 49:86 sec

2. Kristóf Milák (HUN) 50:62

3. James Guy (GBR) 50:83

Joseph Schooling (SGP) 50:83

Kristóf Milák, photo: MTI

Sjöström wins women’s 50 m butterfly

Results:

1. Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) 24.60 sec

2. Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) 25:38

3. Farida Osman (EGY) 25:39

Seebohm wins women’s 200 m backstroke

Results:

1. Emily Seebohm (AUS) 2:05.68

2. Katinka Hosszú (HUN) 2:05.85

3. Kathleen Baker (USA) 2:06.48

Katinka Hosszú, photo: MTI

Australian victory in women’s 20 m high diving

Results:

1. Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) 320.70 points

2. Adriana Jimenez (MEX) 308.90

3. Yana Nestsiarava (BLR) 303.95

Photo: MTI

Rhiannan Iffland (AUS), photo: MTI

Sarah Sjöström sets world record in women’s 50 m freestyle

Sarah Sjöström of Sweden set a new world record in women’s 50-metre freestyle by clocking 23.67 seconds in a semifinal in the 17th World Aquatics Championships in Budapest on Saturday.

Men’s water polo: Croatia takes the throne

Finals of the 17th FINA World Championships:

Hungary-Croatia 6-8 (0-4, 2-0, 2-2, 2-2)
Hajós Alfréd Swimming Complex, 7800 spectators, referees: Severo (ITA), Alexandrescu (ROU)
Hungary: Nagy V. – Gór-Nagy, Hosnyánszky, Vámos 3, Varga Dénes, Erdélyi 1, Mezei. Subs: Manhercz 1, Zalánki, Hárai, Török 1, Decker Á. Head coach: Märcz Tamás
Croatia: Bijac – Loncar 1, Buljubasic, Garcia 2, Setka, Sukno 3, Jokovic 1. Subs: Macan 1, Fatovic, Vukicevic, Krapic, Buslje. Head coach: Ivica Tucak

Croatia wins gold medal, photo: MTI

At the bronze game:

Greece-Serbia 8-11 (3-5, 1-2, 3-3, 1-1)

Croatia jumped off to a great start and won the first quarter 4-0. Croatia defensed really well and Hungary’s offense was really ineffective in the beginning.

Hungary started the second quarter much better with the lead of Vamos, who scored their first goal and had a steal right after that. The host team stepped up its defense and shut down the Croatian team in the second period, there was 4-2 on the scoreboard at half time.

Hungary had the momentum and goals by Erdelyi and Manhercz meant that five minutes into the second half, the teams were even (4-4). This was the moment that woke Croatia up, Javier Garcia scored twice, both of them were deflected shots, so Hungary was a bit unlucky at the end of the third quarter.

After Sukno’s goal, Croatia lead by three, but Vamos scored twice. The second was on a crucial extramen situation and he decreased Hungary’s deficit to one, when there was only two minutes on the clock. Sukno’s third goal meant a two goal lead again and eventually Croatia’s win in the final, so they became world champions.

5th place

Montenegro – Italy 5:4 (1:1, 1:1, 3:2, 0:0)

Photo: MTI