The Executive Board of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne -UIPM- met on 27–28 August in Kaunas (Lithuania) and approved a wide range of resolutions shaping the international calendar of the sport through to 2028. The decisions provide National Federations and athletes with a clear roadmap towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Among the most significant announcements was the awarding of the UIPM Pentathlon World Championships to Budapest (Hungary) in 2027 and Cairo (Egypt) in 2028, both established hosts of major events on the UIPM calendar.

UIPM returns to the United States

The UIPM Pentathlon World Cup circuit will return to the United States in 2027, with one of its four regular-season rounds staged in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The same city will also host the UIPM 2028 Congress, coinciding with the Olympic Games. West Hollywood thus becomes a strategic venue in the Olympic cycle.

In 2026, the season will begin on 8 April in Cairo, continue in Pazardzhik (Bulgaria) in May, and move to Budapest in June, where the World Cup Final will also take place in the first week of July. All dates will soon be added to the UIPM official events calendar.

Expansion in Asia with new host federations

The UIPM Executive Board also ratified the entry of new Asian nations as organisers. India, Indonesia and Kuwait were awarded hosting rights after a record number of bids. Pune will host the 2027 Laser Run World Championships, Bali will stage the 2027 Biathle-Triathle World Championships, and Kuwait City will host the U19 & U15 World Championships in 2028.

In addition, Egypt will stage the Junior and U17 World Championships in 2027, while Kaunas will host the same competition in 2028. On the African continent, Pretoria (South Africa) has been designated as the host of the U19 & U15 World Championships in 2027.

Calendar shared between Europe and South Africa

The city of Cape Town (South Africa) has been chosen to host the 2026 Masters World Championships, as well as the 2028 Biathle-Triathle and Laser Run World Championships. In Europe, Munich will host the 2028 Obstacle Laser Run World Championships, while Kaunas and Istanbul consolidate their place on the UIPM World Cup circuit.

Budapest, in addition to staging the 2027 Senior World Championships, will also host the 2027 World Cup Final, confirming its role as one of the leading venues in the UIPM international calendar.

Rob Stull highlights the global movement

The UIPM President, Rob Stull OLY, emphasised the strategic importance of the decisions taken in Lithuania: “Here in Kaunas we are showing the world the potential of our new cutting-edge Pentathlon, which has also guided the direction of our Executive Board meeting. It is exciting that our sports will expand into new horizons in 2027 and 2028 while also returning to countries where we have enjoyed great moments in the past.”

Stull added: “I am grateful to the Executive Board for two days of intelligent, frank and thoughtful conversations about the trajectory of our sport. We are fully focused on strengthening the commercial viability of our discipline, expanding our global movement and opening it up to new audiences.”