Foundation stone laid for World Aquatics headquarters in Budapest - “A new era for global aquatic sports,” says President Al-Musallam

Foundation stone laid for World Aquatics headquarters in Budapest - “A new era for global aquatic sports,” says President Al-Musallam Foundation stone laid for World Aquatics headquarters in Budapest - “A new era for global aquatic sports,” says President Al-Musallam https://innews.media/en/news/id-56193

The ceremonial groundbreaking, led by Gergely Gulyás, Husain Al-Musallam, Ádám Schmidt, Brent Nowicki (World Aquatics Executive Director), Péter Zentai, and Zsanett Rózsahegyi (Project Manager, Láng Quarter)

Csisztu Zsuzsa - AIPS Vice President

BUDAPEST, October 7, 2025 - World Aquatics has officially laid the foundation stone for its new global headquarters and knowledge center in Budapest’s 13th district — an event that President Husain Al-Musallam described as “the beginning of a new era for swimming and aquatic sports around the world.”

The new complex, set to open in the second quarter of 2028, will transform a former industrial site on Váci Road into a modern hub for aquatic sport science, education, and international collaboration.

Hungary: A Natural Home for Aquatic Sports

Speaking at the ceremony, Gergely Gulyás, Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized Hungary’s deep connection to water.

“For us, water is not only a gift of nature — it’s part of our identity, our culture, and our heritage,” he said.
He noted that Hungary’s water polo players are the most successful in Olympic history, while its swimmers rank fourth in the all-time medal table. He also highlighted Budapest’s historic aquatic landmarks, such as the Komjádi Béla Pool and the Hajós Alfréd Swimming Complex, both symbols of Hungary’s century-old aquatic excellence.

World Aquatics Chooses Budapest

Explaining the decision to locate the headquarters in the Hungarian capital, Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics, told Nemzeti Sport:

“Out of World Aquatics’ 210 member nations, Hungary was the most dedicated partner in helping us create this complex and knowledge center. That is why we decided to take the next step for the global aquatics community here in Budapest.”

He praised the strong cooperation from the Hungarian government, the Hungarian Olympic Committee, and local sports leaders.

“Hungary’s sporting history shows not only success, but a deep understanding and passion for aquatic sports,” he added.

Hungary’s Innovation Legacy in Swimming

Sándor Wladár, Olympic champion and President of the Hungarian Swimming Association, said the partnership is a natural extension of Hungary’s long-standing innovation in aquatic sports.

“Just think of Alfréd Hajós, who not only won two Olympic titles but also revolutionized freestyle swimming by inventing the modern crawl. Innovation has always defined Hungarian swimming for 130 years,” he said.
He also revealed that the new facility will include Europe’s first high-diving training center, with Hungarian experts contributing to the technical planning.

A Major Step in Sports Diplomacy

Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sports, highlighted the growing international role of Budapest in sports governance.

“Budapest already hosts the International Judo Federation and the International Canoe Federation — and now World Aquatics joins them. This reflects great trust from one of the world’s largest sports organizations,” he said.

He described the project as a “significant achievement in sports diplomacy”, adding that the facility will also bring the latest sports science research to Hungarian athletes, particularly in diving and artistic swimming.

A Global Center for Learning and Collaboration

Olympic champion and World Aquatics Bureau member Dániel Gyurta said the new center will serve as a home for the entire aquatic community.

“This facility will be the global hub where athletes from around the world can train, study, and exchange knowledge. Even international students in Hungary through the Stipendium Hungaricum program will find a second home here,” he noted.

Transforming Budapest’s Láng Quarter

Péter Zentai, owner of the Láng Quarter, said the project begins after more than five years of preparation. The World Aquatics complex will be one of the flagship elements of the 8.5-hectare development.

The event concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking, led by Gergely Gulyás, Husain Al-Musallam, Ádám Schmidt, Brent Nowicki (World Aquatics Executive Director), Péter Zentai, and Zsanett Rózsahegyi (Project Manager, Láng Quarter), who together symbolically launched the construction.