The Hungarian capital was already a candidate for the 2024 Games, but withdrew its bid, and in the end, Paris was chosen.Continue reading
On the occasion of President Katalin Novák’s visit to Lausanne, national sport news broadcaster Nemzeti Sport and Sportrádió had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Mandiner reports.
Bach was asked about current issues in the world of sport and the chances of an Olympic bid for Budapest. The IOC president summed up his recent official visit to Hungary, which was attended by Hungarian President Katalin Novák, MOB President Zsolt Gyulay, and IOC member Dániel Gyurta. Bach said it was “a friendly and fruitful meeting, and we in the Olympic Movement appreciate the Hungarian president.
Katalin Novák is close to sport and its values and knows exactly the positive impact sport has on everyone,
he said.
Further, he added, “She is really well informed about the Olympic results and is a great supporter of Hungarian athletes. This gave us the basis to talk about issues like the 2024 Olympics and preparing a strong Hungarian team for the Olympics. Of course, we also talked about the tense international political situation and its impact on sports.”
“Great to meet Hungarian President Katalin Novák, who is such a great friend of sport and supporter of the unfiying mission of the Olympic Movement.” – IOC President Thomas Bach. pic.twitter.com/1KsgL1S6c6
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) June 8, 2023
Asked if Hungary had a chance to host a Summer Olympics, the IOC president said, “I think Hungary has set a record for successful international competitions in Olympic sports. As far as I know, the country has hosted more than 20 World and European Championships in the last five years, which is probably an Olympic record, far ahead of anyone else. I have seen many of these competitions, they were successful, and we benefit from the Hungarian people’s love of sport and hospitality, as well as their efficient organization.”
Thomas Bach also stated: “From the International Olympic Committee’s point of view, Agenda2020 has revolutionized the organization of the Olympic Games, making them more sustainable and cost-conscious. I see it as a good opportunity if it fits Hungary’s long-term plans.”
Hungary can be a wonderful host, but first the Hungarian sports movement, the government, and the people have to take action.
“If this happens, everyone in the Olympic movement would be satisfied,” he said in the interview.
Novák wrote in her Facebook post: “I had a meeting with the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, at the IOC headquarters. With 525 medals, Hungary is one of the most successful nations in the history of the Olympic Games. My visit to the IOC headquarters is also a tribute to the Olympic ideal and the achievements of Hungarian Olympians.”
The president’s words are a meaningful and encouraging compliment, as currently there are no concrete plans to host an upcoming cycle of the Olympic Games.
VIA Mandiner, Featured Photo via Facebook/Novák Katalin