Budapest, European Capital of Sport for 2019

The Hungarian capital, which is also bidding for the 2024 Olympics and will be hosts of the 2017 FINA World Championships, won in the selection process ahead of prestigious rivals: Málaga (Spain), Yerevan (Armenia) and Valletta (Malta).

Gian F. Lupatelli, the President and Founder of ACES Europe, said "Budapest had been a very strong candidate and had showed enough potential to be European Capital of Sport".

"The announcement supports Budapest’s bid for the 2024 Olympics, brings media and global attention to the capital and importantly, we will gain valuable experience throughout the year" – emphasised Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Deputy Mayor of Budapest, adding that "Budapest will mainly use existing venues and no infrastructure developments will be needed".

László Fábián, the Sports Director of the Hungarian Olympic Committee said "Budapest has proved several times it is a perfect host of international sports competitions such as wrestling. Hosting the Fencing World Championships as well as Water Polo and the European Judo Championships will ensure the City is ready to become European Capital of Sport in 2019.

In addition, Budapest will host the 2017 FINA World Cup. Cornel Marculescu, the Executive Director of FINA (International Swimming Federation) visited Budapest in October, underlining: "The speed of realising developments necessary for the World Championships taking place in two years has exceeded all expectations and Budapest has demonstrated its proficiency."

Mr. Marculescu also said "the Hungarians’ commitment to the Olympics and the Budapest 2024 Olympic bid is very much appreciated by FINA. "

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only