The championship held in Lithuania received global recognition
The UIPM declared the modern pentathlon championship in Kaunas, Lithuania, as the 'Best Overall Event 2025' during its annual awards.
The International Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM) has awarded the recent championship held in Kaunas, Lithuania, the title of 'Best Overall Event 2025' during its annual recognition ceremony. This championship, which took place from August 26 to 30 last year at the Žalgiris Arena, marked the first adults' competition in Olympic sports in the country’s history, illustrating a significant milestone for Lithuanian sports on the global stage.
The event set a new attendance record for modern pentathlon championships, with over 4,000 spectators in attendance, including prominent figures such as Prince Albert II of Monaco and members of the International Olympic Committee, showcasing the event's international attraction. Moreover, it featured around 200 athletes from more than 30 countries competing under the new competition format designed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which included an obstacle course and direct elimination fencing rounds, highlighting the evolving nature of the sport.
Organizers emphasized that the championship in Kaunas represented a pivotal turning point for modern pentathlon, effectively transforming it into an entertaining sporting product suitable for a larger audience in an enclosed arena setting. The event's success not only enhances Lithuania's profile in the sporting world but also paves the way for future international competitions in the country, as Lithuania seeks to engage more with the global sporting community and develop its reputation as a host for significant events.