Members of HDF Sports Company Have Proven their Skills both as Olympians and Soldiers

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that it is always fantastic to be Hungarian, especially after such Olympic Games. He added that the fact that Hungary is among the seven founding nations of the Olympic movement also demonstrates the strength and greatness of the Hungarian nation. Our athletes performed worthy of this at the Paris Olympic Games, where Hungary acquired the fourteenth position on the medal table. If we look at the all-time medal table of the Olympic Games, we are among the ten most successful nations and per capita, we are the second one. The 19 – 6 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze – medals acquired in Paris show a performance that we can be deservedly proud of, he said. At the same time, the soldiers of the HDF Sports Company also performed outstandingly, many soldiers won medals or places, thus setting an example for the HDF enlisted and contract personnel. They proved their skills both as Olympic athletes and soldiers. Therefore, the ministry gives the same lump sum benefit to all the military Olympic athletes regardless of their results, said the defence minister.

General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF General Staff said that the Hungarian nation is a military and sporting one, and the military athletes set an example for the Hungarian Defence Forces and each Hungarian youngster. Also, they give a strong motivation and soul to the military and through that, to Hungary. “We have something in common, we serve our homeland” – said the general.

At the ceremony, 20 military Olympic athletes received certificates and commemorative coins from the defence minister, the chief of defence and MoD State Secretary for Sport Ádám Schmidt. Three athletes will receive these later. Gergely Siklósi, who acquired a gold medal as a member of the épée team and finished his higher studies, was promoted to lieutenant below the line.