Prime Minister Viktor Orbán received Paolo Barelli, the Italian President of the European Swimming League (LEN) in his office. The parties had talks about the preparations for the two 2020 European Aquatics Championships and further potential major championships to be hosted in Hungary, LEN reported in its Friday newsletter.

This is not the first time the parties have met, LEN highlighted in its newsletter, describing the atmosphere of the meeting as very friendly. The meeting was also attended by Balázs Fürjes, government commissioner for priority Budapest developments and international sports tenders.

The Hungarian Prime Minister and the head of LEN reviewed the preparations for the European water polo championships due to be held in January 2020 and the European championships of swimmers, divers and synchronised swimmers scheduled for next May. At the meeting, the parties also spoke about the possibility of Hungary hosting further major aquatics events in the future.

“Hungary is a very lucky country for having such a sport-committed leader as Mr Viktor Orbán,” LEN’s communication quoted Mr Barelli as saying. The sports executive congratulated FTC’s men’s water polo team on their victory on Saturday; the team won the final of the Champions League. Mr Barelli also said he is convinced that the Hungarian organisers will do their best again, and next year’s European championships will be just as successful as the aquatics events that were recently held in Budapest’s sophisticated facilities. In the LEN President’s view, these events were fantastic.

(MTI)