UIPM MASTERS DIGEST: SEPTEMBER 2025

Redesigned pathway for Masters discussed in hybrid meeting in Madrid (ESP)

During this summer’s European Open Masters Championships the UIPM Masters Committee held a productive meeting. With four of the Committee members — Emanuele Gambini (ITA), George Harrop-Allin (RSA), Andra Novicka (LAT) and Antonio Sanchez Paraja (ESP) — competing in Madrid (ESP), it was a good chance to convene and address a number of key topics. Committee Chair Natalie Denoyes (FRA) and UIPM President Rob Stull OLY joined the hybrid meeting remotely.  

Among the topics discussed were the Masters Committee’s action plans for greater engagement and innovation, setting the priorities and a clearer pathway for Masters competitions featuring Obstacle and rules development and standards.

Nathalie Denoyes said: “The UIPM Masters Committee opens a new international chapter for Modern Pentathlon. We discussed an ambitious initiative to continue to develop Masters Modern Pentathlon on a global scale, making it more attractive, inclusive and accessible to adult participants.

“At the heart of this renewed vision is a redesigned pathway tailored specifically for Masters — more progressive, flexible, and inspiring — enabling individuals from around the world to take on the unique challenge of the five disciplines.

“This approach is built on sharing training experiences, organizing international camps and fostering a strong, connected, and engaged community. By opening new avenues for participation, this collective effort aims to expand the reach of modern pentathlon and inspire a growing adult audience across all continents.

“It’s never too late to become a pentathlete.”

2026 World Championships heading to Cape Town (RSA)

Next year’s global gathering of the Masters community has now been confirmed with the UIPM 2026 Masters World Championships visiting the breathtaking oceanside surrounds of Cape Town, South Africa. The competition will take place from September 28 to October 3 with Individual and Team competitions as well as Mixed, Women’s and Men’s Relays.

The Masters Committee confirmed that the organisers are willing to offer both formats – Pentathlon with Obstacle and Pentathlon with Riding. The latter is designed for those athletes still passionate about the sporting connection with horses and keen to pay tribute to the old format at Masters level. This is in line with Masters Committee recommendations made during a conference held in Gyomro (HUN) during the UIPM 2024 Masters World Championshps.

The South African Federation and the LOC are exploring adding cultural programming for competitors. So stay connected because invitation letters will soon be live.

Exploring inclusion with IMGA President Sergii Bubka

During the recent UIPM Pentathlon World Championships in Kaunas (LTU), Masters Committee member Andra Novicka, who also serves as Vice President of Latvian Modern Pentathlon Federation had an opportunity to talk with Sergii Bubka, iconic Olympian, IOC Member and International Masters Games Association President.

They discussed the potential of inclusion of Modern Pentathlon and its disciplines in the Open Masters Games Series, a new IMGA event which will take place for the first time in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in February 2026. They agreed that Obstacle and Laser Run have significant potential to be included in the Open Masters Games in 2027.

Paying tribute to Ahmet Dizioğlu

The community suffered a significant loss with the passing of prolific Masters pentathlete Ahmet Dizioğlu from Türkiye, who passed away suddenly in August. Bronze medallist at the European Masters Championships in Chisinau (MDA) in 2023, Dizioğlu (TUR) was a fierce competitor and a dear friend whose passing left Masters Committee members and the entire community saddened.

Nathalie Denoyes said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ahmet Dizioğlu, a respected athlete who proudly represented the Modern Pentathlon community through his participation in numerous competitions.

“Ahmet will be remembered not only for his commitment to the sport, but also for his kindness, generosity and unwavering sportsmanship. On behalf of the entire community, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those who shared moments of sport and life by his side.”

Have your say: Masters community survey

UIPM Masters Committee Members have sparked an initiative with the aim to update the email database of the Masters athlete community and to again share Masters news by email to those within the Masters movement, as had been the case pre-pandemic.

Those interested are encouraged to fill in the questionnaire (maximum duration: five minutes) to share your contact details and social media profiles, which will significantly boost Masters community communication. Please find the link to the survey here.

Reminder: It’s almost Biathle-Triathle / Laser Run time

We remind you that the registration deadline for the UIPM 2025 Biathle-Triathle and Laser Run World Championships, which takes places in Mossel Bay (RSA) from December 8-13, is approaching on October 30.

Age groups for Masters competitors will include 40+, 50+, 60+ and 70+ in individual and Mixed Relay competitions. All details are in the invitation letter here.