PM Orbán began by addressing Hungary’s performance in Paris, where the nation secured six gold medals. While this was a respectable outcome, PM Orbán revealed that he had secretly hoped for eight golds. He acknowledged that Hungary’s position is under increasing pressure from countries like Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand, which are rapidly advancing in various sports. "It could have been eight gold medals, but it could have been four as well," he said, noting the unpredictability of sports results.
Despite this, PM Orbán emphasized that maintaining Hungary’s position requires immense effort. He praised the performance as "decent," but stressed that the current level of success might only be enough to prevent Hungary from slipping further down the rankings in future games. He pointed out the need to embrace new sports that are becoming part of the Olympic program, warning that ignoring these opportunities could lead to Hungary's decline in the rankings. "We cannot afford to ignore new sports," he asserted, urging the Hungarian Olympic Committee to adapt and evolve.
PM Orbán articulated a clear vision for Hungary’s place in the global sports arena, stating that Hungary should aim to be consistently ranked among the top ten in the world. "Our place is in the top ten at every Olympics," he said, stressing that it is not enough to simply accept current realities; instead, Hungary should actively work to improve its standing.
He also reflected on the challenges of maintaining Hungary's position, acknowledging that the global competition has become more intense, with nearly 100 countries now regularly winning medals. Despite this, the prime minister is determined that Hungary can and should remain a top-tier sporting nation, building on its rich traditions and capabilities.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of learning from other successful national models, citing New Zealand as a country that Hungary should study closely. He admired New Zealand's recent successes, particularly in sports like kayaking, where they have outperformed Hungary. PM Orbán emphasized that understanding and potentially emulating such models could help Hungary maintain its competitive edge.
PM Orbán delved into the concept of dissatisfaction as a driving force for improvement. He distinguished between what he called "liberal dissatisfaction," which he described as destructive and negative, and "Christian dissatisfaction," which he believes is constructive and motivates people to strive for better outcomes. "There’s a kind of dissatisfaction that doesn’t destroy but brings determination and sets tasks," he explained, emphasizing that this positive form of dissatisfaction is crucial for Hungary’s continued success in sports.
The prime minister did not shy away from discussing the missed opportunities in various sports, particularly in boxing and cycling. He expressed concern over Hungary’s withdrawal from track cycling, a decision driven by budget constraints, and emphasized the need for more facilities, such as velodromes, to nurture talent in these areas. PM Orbán also highlighted the potential in other combat sports, noting that while karate is popular in Hungary, the country must also explore and invest in newer disciplines.
PM Orbán spoke passionately about Hungary’s exceptional athletes, whom he referred to as "geniuses." He discussed Kristóf Milák, Hungary's swimming star, acknowledging that such athletes require unique handling and support. "The most we can do is to leave them be and let them do it their way," PM Orbán said, emphasizing that these extraordinary talents should not be forced into conventional molds. He drew parallels with past Hungarian sports legends, stressing that these individuals are a source of immense pride for the nation.
Turning to the broader regional context, PM Orbán stressed that Hungary’s success is intrinsically linked to the success of the entire Central European region. He argued that it is in Hungary’s interest for its neighbors, such as Romania, Croatia, and Serbia, to also thrive in sports. "We need the whole region to rise," he said, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and competition in sports, which could lead to the resurgence of Central European championships.
When discussing team sports, the prime minister expressed disappointment over Hungary’s performance in water polo, where the team finished fourth. He emphasized that in Hungary, the expectation is always to win gold in water polo, and anything less is seen as a disappointment. "The champion is in a different category," he remarked, pointing out that while silver and bronze medals are valuable, there is a significant gap between them and the gold.
Looking ahead, PM Orbán discussed the future of Hungarian sports leadership and strategy. He confirmed that Sports State Secretary Ádám Schmidt would continue in his role, and that new sports development agreements are on the horizon. Prime Minister Orbán also touched on the financial aspects of sports management, emphasizing the need for disciplined and efficient spending. "It’s not about saving, but about spending reasonably," he said, stressing that every forint must be used effectively.
Finally, PM Orbán addressed the possibility of Budapest hosting the Olympics, a topic that has garnered significant interest lately. While he expressed strong support for the idea, he noted that it would require the backing of the city’s leadership. "If Budapest does not support it, there won’t be an Olympics," he stated, making it clear that the decision ultimately lies with the city.