FINA has revealed that Budapest will host its World Championships from 18 June – 3 July, ensuring athletes have a global aquatics championship to aim for this summer.
Following approval from the FINA Bureau, the upcoming competition is set to feature five FINA aquatics disciples: swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and open water swimming.
The group has also stated that it will continue to work towards similar event programming for high dive athletes and masters competitors.
FINA President, Husain Al-Musallam, commented: “As an aquatics community, we are finding solutions around the pandemic and today’s announcement is an important step in this process. We know we need to be imaginative in our approach in navigating through the current health crisis for our athletes.
“Today’s agreement is a testament to this work. FINA also recognises that the pandemic is evolving differently according to time and place. We are extremely fortunate to have event hosts that share our passion for aquatics and have the willingness, capability and flexibility to organise FINA’s most prestigious event. We are deeply grateful to all our hosts and know that aquatics athletes feel the same way.”
FINA and key stakeholders of the Fukuoka 2022 Organising Committee recently agreed to move the 2022 FINA World Championships that were originally scheduled to take place in Fukuoka, Japan, from 13-29 May 2022 to 14-30 July 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With four FINA World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games over the next four years, we are maximising the racing opportunities and earnings potential for established and emerging aquatics athletes alike,” Al-Musallam added.
Hungary’s capital has been a regular home for FINA Swimming World Cup, FINA Water Polo World League and FINA World Series events, whilst it previously hosted the FINA World Championships in 2017.
The organisation has also stated that it is continuing to consult athletes and stakeholders on the schedule for the 2024 FINA World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
