Deadline for entry to historic 2024 FISU World Championships in Kaunas (LTU) rapidly approaching

The countdown clock is ticking fast and, for every university athlete who wants to be part of history, the time for action is now. 

The 2nd edition of the FISU World University Championships Modern Pentathlon will take place in Kaunas (LTU) later in 2024 with an exhilarating new format making its debut: Obstacle Laser Run.

With a deadline for entries for the event rapidly approaching, student athletes across the globe are being advised to act now and book their slot. 

Entries must be submitted by February 21, with student athletes encouraged to reach out to the National Federations to express interest and NFs similarly urged to liaise with their National University Sport Federation (NUSF) to ensure athletes are entered in time. 

The 2024 competition, launched in October 2023, will run in the historic Lithuanian city from August 21-25 with students aged 18-25 eligible to compete. 

The Obstacle Laser Run format is one of several new multi-sport permutations enabled by the integration of Obstacle into Modern Pentathlon, providing a highly accessible and dynamic format. The format allows for three exciting categories of competition to take place: Individual, Mixed Relay and Mixed Team. 

• Individual: Participants will earn points based on their performance in Obstacle, translating into a handicap start for a subsequent Laser Run, as in Modern Pentathlon.
• Mixed Relay: Female athlete will kick off the race, passing the relay to the male. The course will be identical for each athlete.
• Mixed Team: Teams will be composed of one female and one male athlete. Each athlete will specialise in one discipline, and teams have the flexibility to choose whether the female or male races first.

The inaugural edition of the FISU World Championships took place in Budapest (HUN) in 2018 and provided a launchpad for some of the biggest names in the sport today. Two-time senior world champion Elena Micheli of Italy and Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist Ahmed Elgendy of Egypt were among the individual medallists in 2018.

Student athletes interested in securing their place ahead of the February 21 deadline can find full details in the event’s invitation letter on the UIPM website as well as the event webpage and the UIPM university page. 

UIPM Athletes Committee Chair, Yasser Hefny OLY, said: “We have already seen how the World University Championships can be a big success in our sport with a lasting impact, as the inaugural competition saw many future champions shine on the major competition stage.

“I strongly urge those who are interested to get the ball rolling now to avoid disappointment and secure their registration for the event.”