This year Hungary took the lead in the all-time ranking among countries with a population higher than 1 million.Continue reading
László Szabó, President of the Hungarian Paralympic Committee (MPB), expects at least 15 Hungarian medals, including 3 to 5 gold at the Tokyo Paralympic Games starting on Tuesday.
Hungary is represented by a total of 38 athletes at this year’s Paralympics, with chances for medals in ten sports – table tennis, athletics, weightlifting, archery, kayak-canoe, fencing, cycling, sport shooting, triathlon, and swimming. The president believes 15 medals, including 3-5 gold medals, are possible.
Those who have every chance of victory include paddler Péter Pál Kiss, swimmer Fanni Illés, table tennis player Alexa Szvitacs, fencers Richárd Osváth, Zsuzsanna Krajnyák, Éva Hajmási, and Amarilla Veres, the fencing team, and Luca Ekler in athletics.
It should be noted that five athletes- swimmers Kata Payer (15), Evelin Száraz (16), and Zsófia Konkoly (19), and paddlers Péter Kiss (18), and Erik Kiss (20) are under 21 years old. Konkoly already won a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly in Rio in 2016, with Száraz having a European Championship gold and a World Championship bronze. Péter Kiss has been world and European champion in recent years, so both him and Konkoly have a chance to bag a medal this year.
Photo: Szilárd Koszticsák/MTI
The Hungarian athletes took the oath on August 12 at the Eiffel Art Studios in Budapest. Photo Zoltán Balogh/MTI
On behalf of the Hungarian Paralympic Committee (MPB), a promotional film was created about the athletes, showing their journey to the Paralympic Games.
Fencer Boglárka Madarászné Mező has an especially remarkable personal story: she attempted suicide 19 years ago, which caused paralysis in her right leg. Since then, she has earned her law degree and currently works at the Budapest Police Headquarters. She began fencing in 2012, and has since won one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at world championships. Now her main goal is to be able to get on the podium.
Hungarian successes at the Paralympic Games since 1972
Featured photo by Szilárd Koszticsák/MTI