Following Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony’s decision to ban the building of sports stadiums in the capital, which put an end to the city’s dreams of hosting the 2023 World Athletics Championships, leading sportsmen and women have come forward to urge new leaders to back sports.
According to MTI, prominent Hungarian champions of the past holding the title of Athlete of the Nation have asked Budapest’s new leaders to allow the city to remain the host of the athletics championships in 2023.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) granted Budapest the right to host the prestigious event in December 2018. The city’s bid included building a new sports stadium for the purpose.
Led by Pál Schmitt, the 12 athletes have expressed concern over the latest developments surrounding the world athletics championships. “We are convinced that organizing such a major international competition could not only boost Hungary’s reputation, but also stimulate young people’s interest in sports,” they said.
Photo credit: welovebudapest.com