Champions of the Air on the Podium

Text: Bettina Sin | Photo: Gergely Schöff | 15:10 July 15, 2024

“During the past few days, we witnessed a competition where the most excellent paratroopers of the world were competing to test their preparedness and technical skills, and they have brought us the excitement and beauty of this special sport.” – this was how Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári, Deputy Chief, HDF General Staff said farewell to the participants of the 46th CISM World Military Parachuting Championship at the RepTár in Szolnok on 12 July. The national sports teams of more than 30 countries whose members performed best in the overall results lined up to stand on the podium and worthily say goodbye to the ten days they had spent in Hungary, rich in experiences and successes.

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“Sports teach us discipline, perseverance and cooperation, which are also the hallmarks of a good soldier. Military parachuting is an amalgam of courage and precision; besides, one learns to trust in himself and his comrades during the moments spent high in the sky” – said Lieutenant General Ference Kajári in his farewell speech, adding that Hungary hosted this noble contest for the second time. This is a recognition of our commitment to the sport and also of the preparedness and international successes of the Hungarian national team.

The teams and individual competitors standing on the podium on the last day were the ones who had been placed by the overall results in the male, female and the junior male and female categories. The Chinese, French, German, Austrian and Czech anthems were played to honor the winners.

The leaders of the CISM also said goodbye, while honoring the work done by the Hungarian organizers with decorations, CISM knight’s cross and knighthood awards. WMPC Competition Director Colonel Levente Réz, WMPC Logistics Officer Major Máté Harencsár and WMPC Protocol and Public Affairs Officer Captain Anita Zölei received recognitions.

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A touching moment of the event was when President of CISM Sport Committee (PCSC) Parachuting Colonel Gernot Rittenschober relinquished his post, which was taken over by Captain Tamás Bánszki, the team captain of the Hungarian national team. This is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the world of military parachuting. Captain Bánszki said that “I’m taking over this role because from now on, this is how I need to help this large family. I’m about to take a step in this direction. We, the members of the national team have entered an age when we must find the next generation to whom we can pass on our knowledge.”

The ceremony closed with the happy folk dance program of the Tisza Dance Ensemble of Szolnok, which put a smile on everyone’s face.