The FISU World University Championship in Canoe Sports at Szeged’s Maty-ér Regatta Course concluded on a high note for the University of Szeged, with Hungarian athletes delivering impressive performances and SZTE competitors achieving standout results. SZTE students and athletes representing MVM Szegedi VE, a Szeged-based canoe-kayak and water sports club, were among the event’s top performers. The University made its mark even before the competition began, with local athlete Csanád Molnár delivering the athletes’ oath at the opening ceremony.
The 2026 FISU World University Canoe Sports Championship was held in Szeged, with the University of Szeged serving as a key strategic partner of the organizers. Its close involvement was also reflected in the opening ceremony.
Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka welcomes athletes at the opening ceremony of the FISU World University Canoe Sports Championship at Maty-ér Regatta Course.
Representing the University’s leadership, Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development, welcomed the athletes, while Csanád Molnár, an SZTE student and canoeist with the canoe-kayak and water sports club MVM Szegedi VE, led the athletes’ oath.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony also came courtesy of the University of Szeged, with a dynamic performance by the SZTE PomPom Girls, the University’s cheerleading team.
Home advantage and the energy of the local crowd appeared to give the Szeged athletes an extra boost, especially on Thursday’s final day of competition. Csanád Molnár, who had delivered the athletes’ oath at the opening ceremony, lined up with Gergő Rumi in the men’s C2 500-meter final, where the pair powered to victory and claimed the gold medal.
The final day brought another gold medal for Szeged. In the mixed C2 500 meters, Imola Johanna Kis-Batka and Szeged’s Krisztián Szarka edged out the Belarusian pair in a thrilling finish to take the top step of the podium.
Earlier in the championship, MVM Szegedi VE canoeist Levente Gyányi had taken to the water alongside Viktor Pálfalvi, from the city of Paks, in the C2 1000-meter final. On August 18, the pair crossed the finish line in 3:47.65 to secure second place and the silver medal. “This silver medal was a true team effort!” Gyányi said after the race.
Bronze medal team: Krisztián Szarka, Balázs Szilágyi, and Zoltán Bakos, representing SZTE, alongside Viktor Pálfalvi from the city of Paks.
SZTE’s medal success extended to the team events as well. In the C4 500 meters, SZTE students Krisztián Szarka, Balázs Szilágyi, and Zoltán Bakos joined forces with Viktor Pálfalvi to claim bronze after a hard-fought race. The strong sense of community surrounding the championship extended beyond the medal events, too. Levente Gyányi and the Szeged members of the bronze-medal crew also took part in a dragon boat exhibition race held as part of the World University Championships, adding another memorable moment to the event.
Hungary takes 23 medals
The home crowd had even more reason to celebrate as Hungary delivered a strong overall performance, collecting eight gold, ten silver, and five bronze medals. With 23 podium finishes in total, the Hungarian delegation finished second overall in the medal standings.
Borka Zagyvai was Hungary’s most successful competitor of the championships, winning a medal in all four of her events and finishing with an impressive haul of two gold and two silver medals.
United in sport, strengthened by community
For the University of Szeged, a major international event like this is about far more than competition. It is also an opportunity to showcase the University’s hospitality, vibrant community, and strong commitment to sport.
Reflecting on SZTE’s role in the championships, György Fekete, Rector’s and Chancellor’s Commissioner for Sport, highlighted a quality the University has demonstrated repeatedly in recent years: the ability to adapt quickly, respond flexibly, and work together toward a common goal. Throughout the World University Championships, members of the SZTE community once again put that collaborative spirit into practice.
Congratulations to all the Szeged athletes and the entire Hungarian team on an outstanding championship!
Original Hungarian article by Ferenc Lévai
Feature photo: Krisztián Szarka (SZTE) and Imola Kis-Batka, university world champions in the mixed C2 500 meters, after crossing the finish line. Source: Hungarian Canoe Federation (MKKSZ) Facebook page
