“Sport and Science, Physical Activity and Intellectual Work Are Not Competitors, but Mutually Reinforcing Fields” – Outstanding Student Athletes Recognized at Obuda University
With the intention of establishing a new tradition, Obuda University this year hosted, for the first time, a ceremony honoring nearly one hundred outstanding student athletes who, alongside pursuing their higher education studies, have achieved remarkable results at national and international competitions. Through their perseverance, exceptional performance, dedication, and exemplary attitude, these students have not only achieved outstanding success in their respective sports but have also actively contributed to enhancing the reputation and prestige of Obuda University.
The figures speak for themselves: during the current academic year alone, nearly 400 students represented the University at the competitions of the Hungarian University and College National Championships (MEFOB).
At the Recognition Ceremony for Student Athletes, the participants were welcomed by Dr. Zsuzsanna Csepeli, Rector’s Commissioner responsible for sports coordination, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University, and Ákos Hiervarter, Director of the Institute of Physical Education and Sport.
“Through this ceremony, we would like to provide a worthy recognition for those students who have achieved outstanding results not only in their academic studies but also in their sporting careers. Today, we celebrate young people whose perseverance, commitment, and achievements set a genuine example for their peers. They are the ones who prove every day that high-level athletic performance and university responsibilities can successfully be balanced,” emphasized Dr. Zsuzsanna Csepeli.
“At our University, we frequently speak about knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence. At the same time, I firmly believe that sport strengthens precisely those values upon which successful professional careers are built: perseverance, discipline, determination, cooperation, and the commitment to continuous development,” highlighted Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács.
The Rector added that the achievements of the past academic year clearly demonstrate that Obuda University’s sports community has concluded an exceptionally active and successful period. During the 2025/2026 academic year, 394 students represented the University in MEFOB competitions. Together, they achieved a total of 87 podium finishes, including 28 championship titles, 40 silver medals, and 19 bronze medals.
These achievements were earned across nearly thirty different sports disciplines, ranging from athletics and swimming to fencing, judo, cycling, sport climbing, and chess. It is a particular source of pride that Obuda University students have also enhanced the institution’s reputation internationally, participating in the European Universities Games and various university-level world competitions in recent years.
“These achievements extend far beyond individual accomplishments, as every international appearance contributes to strengthening the prestige and recognition of Obuda University. In addition to sporting results, it is equally important that our students maintain a high academic standard. Several of them receive sports scholarships, for which outstanding academic performance is a fundamental requirement. This synergy clearly demonstrates that sport and science, physical activity and intellectual work, do not operate at each other’s expense but are mutually reinforcing fields,” said the Rector.
Prof. Dr. Kovács also highlighted that Obuda University achieved first place in the overall ranking among technical higher education institutions in the previous year’s sports competition, allowing the University to continue from a leading position.
“Sport is one of the most effective tools for building a strong community identity and institutional reputation. Within university sports, Obuda University’s recognition and reputation continue to grow, and its name is becoming increasingly respected both nationally and internationally,” he added.
The Role of the Institute of Physical Education and Sport
The Institute of Physical Education and Sport (TSI) of Obuda University plays a key role in coordinating and developing university sports activities. The Institute’s dedicated staff work continuously to provide students with the widest possible range of sporting opportunities and the necessary infrastructural support.
Ákos Hiervarter, Director of the Institute, emphasized that during the past two semesters, student athletes achieved outstanding successes representing the University.
He expressed his gratitude to the students for dedicating their time and energy to university sports and competitions alongside their studies, and in many cases their professional commitments and responsibilities within their respective sports clubs. Through their achievements, they have contributed significantly to enhancing the reputation of the institution.
A special highlight of the event was a spectacular video presentation showcasing the most memorable moments of the recognized athletes’ careers. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Zsuzsanna Csepeli with two distinguished student athletes: sprinter Dominik Illovszky and heptathlete Szabina Szűcs. The discussion provided participants with an exclusive insight into the athletes’ daily preparation routines and university experiences, highlighting how professional sporting careers can be successfully combined with higher education studies.
Certificates of recognition were presented to those students and their coaches who, during the recent period, successfully represented Hungary and Obuda University at national and international competitions, including European and World Championships, Olympic Games, and various university-level world competitions.
Individual Athletes
Bálint Bakó, archery – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Championship (MEFOB) Archery Cup.
Péter Burda, combat sports – participated in the European Universities Combat Sports Championships in judo; achieved 1st and 3rd place in grappling and 2nd place in judo at the Hungarian University and College National Championships, and won 1st place in wrestling.
Benedek Dallos, fencing – finished 4th as a member of the sabre team at the FISU World University Games, achieved 3rd place individually at the Hungarian University and College National Championships, and won 1st place in the sabre team event at the European Championships.
The national team consisting of Benedek Dallos, Krisztián Rabb, András Szatmári, and Áron Szilágyi defeated Romania in the final on 20 June.
Donát István Dénes, floorball – recipient of a sports scholarship and active member of Óbuda University’s floorball team. Participated in the Hungarian University and College National Championship in floorball, where the team achieved 5th place.
Gergely Dobovics, volleyball and beach volleyball – recipient of a sports scholarship and active member of Óbuda University’s volleyball and beach volleyball teams.
Dominik Elek, archery – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Championship Archery Cup.
Dávid Fedor, athletics – achieved 3rd place in pole vault at the Hungarian University and College National Championships.
Nándor Hajduch, wrestling – participated in the World University Wrestling Championship; achieved 1st place in freestyle wrestling and 2nd place in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Hungarian University and College National Championships.
Roland Attila Horváth, arm wrestling – achieved 1st place with his left arm and 2nd place with his right arm at the Hungarian University and College Arm Wrestling Cup.
Tamás Horváth, table tennis – recipient of a sports scholarship and active member of Óbuda University’s table tennis team.
Dominik Illovszky, athletics, sprinting – finished 8th in the 100-meter sprint at the FISU World University Games; in 2026, he set a new Hungarian national record in the 60-meter sprint with a time of 6.52 seconds.
Dániel Kardos, swimming – achieved 1st place in the 100-meter breaststroke and 2nd place in the 200-meter individual medley at the Hungarian University and College National Swimming Championships.
Mátyás Kiss, athletics – achieved 2nd place in long jump at the Hungarian University and College National Athletics Championships.
Gergely Klár, water polo – recipient of a sports scholarship; as a member of Óbuda University’s water polo team, achieved 5th place in the national championship this year.
Máté Kornyik, judo – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Judo Championships.
Bendegúz Koska-Gonzales, fencing – achieved 2nd place both individually and as part of a team at the Hungarian University and College National Fencing Championships.
Réka Kovács, powerlifting – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Powerlifting Championships.
Donna Makó, badminton – achieved 1st place in the team event at the Hungarian University and College National Badminton Championships.
Viktor Mayer, wrestling – achieved 2nd place in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling at the Hungarian University and College National Wrestling Championships.
Eszter Mészáros, two-time Olympian sport shooter – represented Hungary at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. Recipient of a sports scholarship; achieved 5th place in the women’s 10-meter air rifle event at the National Shooting Championships.
Máté Milch, fencing – achieved 2nd place in the team foil event at the Hungarian University and College National Fencing Championships.
Máté Moldován, combat sports – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Grappling Championships.
Ákos Nagy, sport shooting – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Shooting Championships.
Roland Németh, badminton – achieved 1st place in the team event at the Hungarian University and College National Badminton Championships.
Ágnes Portkó, sport climbing – achieved 3rd place in the amateur bouldering category at the Hungarian University and College National Sport Climbing Championships.
Gergely Pósa, combat sports – achieved 3rd place at the Hungarian University and College National Grappling Championships.
Ákos Reinoldi, road cycling – achieved 2nd place in road cycling at the Hungarian University and College National Championships.
Bence Sándor, ice hockey – recipient of a sports scholarship; member of the Erste Liga team of the Gyergyószentmiklós Hockey Club.
Zsuzsanna Sára, archery – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Championship Archery Cup.
Vilmos József Szabó, volleyball and beach volleyball – member of the team that achieved 9th place at the European Universities Beach Volleyball Championships; recipient of a sports scholarship and member of the national volleyball team.
Rubina Aurélia Szász, triathlon – recipient of a sports scholarship; triathlete and member of Óbuda University’s swimming team. Finished 7th in the 100-meter freestyle at the Hungarian University and College National Swimming Championships.
Bálint Szentesi, volleyball – member of the national volleyball team and recipient of a sports scholarship; achieved 1st place at the European Universities Volleyball Championships.
Szabina Szűcs, athletics, heptathlon – member of the national team. Won a silver medal in the heptathlon at the 2025 FISU World University Games, then won the Hungarian national championship in heptathlon in 2026, achieving a personal best of 6,340 points and meeting the qualification standard for the European Championships in Birmingham.
Norbert Tóth, race walking – Olympic athlete and participant in the FISU World University Games; recipient of a sports scholarship. At the 2025 Hungarian Athletics Championships, he won silver in the 5,000-meter race walk (19:41.90), bronze in the 20-kilometer race walk (1:34:07), and won the half-marathon race walk event (1:33:49).
Dávid Uhrin, canoe sprint – national team athlete, sports scholarship recipient, and university world champion. In 2025, he won the gold medal in the C-1 5,000-meter mixed relay event at the U23 World Championships in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal, together with his relay partner Borka Zagyvai.
Lajos Újvári, weightlifting – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Weightlifting Championships; member of the national team framework.
Marcell Zuber, athletics, long jump – achieved 3rd place in long jump at the Hungarian University and College National Athletics Championships.
Team Sports
The team consisting of Mirella Trungel, Dominik Bolvári, and Marcell Moczó achieved 2nd place in table tennis at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was Beatrix Molnárné Pajor.
The team consisting of Csaba László, Richárd Farkas, Ádám Gabula, and Zalán Fekete achieved 1st place in chess at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was Sándor Molnár.
The football team consisting of Bence Borkó, András Nyilas, Kristóf Szabó, Roland Bazsó, András Pszota, Gábor Egyed, Ákos András Czvikovszky, Dávid Miklós Fertig, András Horváth, and Gergely Lippai achieved 1st place in football at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was László Dankó.
The 3x3 basketball team consisting of Kata Szakony, Réka László, Dóra Vályi-Nagy, and Ana Arino Chafé achieved 2nd place at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day.
The basketball team consisting of Sibanda Mloyiswa Thandulwazi Joy, Máté Deák, Zalán Kalmár, András Tarnai, Attila Peinhardt, Hunor Szöllősi, Viktor Túri, Zsombor Veres, and Máté Brúnó Viktor achieved 4th place at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. The coach of both basketball teams was Gergely Őri.
The mixed volleyball team consisting of Kíra Sántha, Gergely Zalavári, Anna Póos, Bálint János Baják, Barnabás Máté Busz, Kristóf Sütő, Máté Kanyó, Patrik Tóth, Réka Medvegy, and Réka Vajvoda achieved 2nd place at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was Zsombor Antal.
Zsolt Bahor and Csaba Kleczli, members of the University’s physical education staff, achieved 2nd place in squash at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day.
Based on these outstanding results, the Óbuda University team won the overall competition of the Technical Higher Education Sports Day in 2025.
The team consisting of Nándor Vas, József Gánics, Olivér Dombovári, Bertalan Szepesi, Ákos Takács, László Balogh, Bende Dániel, Péter Gombás, Levente Kis-Prumik, Gábor Lizakovszkí, Márton Pacuk, Dávid Rein, and Dávid Szabó achieved 2nd place in American football at the Hungarian University and College National Championships (MEFOB). Their coach was Krisztián Fábián.
“Through this ceremony, we would like to provide a worthy recognition for those students who have achieved outstanding results not only in their academic studies but also in their sporting careers. Today, we celebrate young people whose perseverance, commitment, and achievements set a genuine example for their peers. They are the ones who prove every day that high-level athletic performance and university responsibilities can successfully be balanced,” emphasized Dr. Zsuzsanna Csepeli.
“At our University, we frequently speak about knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence. At the same time, I firmly believe that sport strengthens precisely those values upon which successful professional careers are built: perseverance, discipline, determination, cooperation, and the commitment to continuous development,” highlighted Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács.
The Rector added that the achievements of the past academic year clearly demonstrate that Obuda University’s sports community has concluded an exceptionally active and successful period. During the 2025/2026 academic year, 394 students represented the University in MEFOB competitions. Together, they achieved a total of 87 podium finishes, including 28 championship titles, 40 silver medals, and 19 bronze medals.
These achievements were earned across nearly thirty different sports disciplines, ranging from athletics and swimming to fencing, judo, cycling, sport climbing, and chess. It is a particular source of pride that Obuda University students have also enhanced the institution’s reputation internationally, participating in the European Universities Games and various university-level world competitions in recent years.
“These achievements extend far beyond individual accomplishments, as every international appearance contributes to strengthening the prestige and recognition of Obuda University. In addition to sporting results, it is equally important that our students maintain a high academic standard. Several of them receive sports scholarships, for which outstanding academic performance is a fundamental requirement. This synergy clearly demonstrates that sport and science, physical activity and intellectual work, do not operate at each other’s expense but are mutually reinforcing fields,” said the Rector.
Prof. Dr. Kovács also highlighted that Obuda University achieved first place in the overall ranking among technical higher education institutions in the previous year’s sports competition, allowing the University to continue from a leading position.
“Sport is one of the most effective tools for building a strong community identity and institutional reputation. Within university sports, Obuda University’s recognition and reputation continue to grow, and its name is becoming increasingly respected both nationally and internationally,” he added.
The Role of the Institute of Physical Education and Sport
The Institute of Physical Education and Sport (TSI) of Obuda University plays a key role in coordinating and developing university sports activities. The Institute’s dedicated staff work continuously to provide students with the widest possible range of sporting opportunities and the necessary infrastructural support.
Ákos Hiervarter, Director of the Institute, emphasized that during the past two semesters, student athletes achieved outstanding successes representing the University.
He expressed his gratitude to the students for dedicating their time and energy to university sports and competitions alongside their studies, and in many cases their professional commitments and responsibilities within their respective sports clubs. Through their achievements, they have contributed significantly to enhancing the reputation of the institution.
A special highlight of the event was a spectacular video presentation showcasing the most memorable moments of the recognized athletes’ careers. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Zsuzsanna Csepeli with two distinguished student athletes: sprinter Dominik Illovszky and heptathlete Szabina Szűcs. The discussion provided participants with an exclusive insight into the athletes’ daily preparation routines and university experiences, highlighting how professional sporting careers can be successfully combined with higher education studies.
Certificates of recognition were presented to those students and their coaches who, during the recent period, successfully represented Hungary and Obuda University at national and international competitions, including European and World Championships, Olympic Games, and various university-level world competitions.
Individual Athletes
Bálint Bakó, archery – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Championship (MEFOB) Archery Cup.
Péter Burda, combat sports – participated in the European Universities Combat Sports Championships in judo; achieved 1st and 3rd place in grappling and 2nd place in judo at the Hungarian University and College National Championships, and won 1st place in wrestling.
Benedek Dallos, fencing – finished 4th as a member of the sabre team at the FISU World University Games, achieved 3rd place individually at the Hungarian University and College National Championships, and won 1st place in the sabre team event at the European Championships.
The national team consisting of Benedek Dallos, Krisztián Rabb, András Szatmári, and Áron Szilágyi defeated Romania in the final on 20 June.
Donát István Dénes, floorball – recipient of a sports scholarship and active member of Óbuda University’s floorball team. Participated in the Hungarian University and College National Championship in floorball, where the team achieved 5th place.
Gergely Dobovics, volleyball and beach volleyball – recipient of a sports scholarship and active member of Óbuda University’s volleyball and beach volleyball teams.
Dominik Elek, archery – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Championship Archery Cup.
Dávid Fedor, athletics – achieved 3rd place in pole vault at the Hungarian University and College National Championships.
Nándor Hajduch, wrestling – participated in the World University Wrestling Championship; achieved 1st place in freestyle wrestling and 2nd place in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Hungarian University and College National Championships.
Roland Attila Horváth, arm wrestling – achieved 1st place with his left arm and 2nd place with his right arm at the Hungarian University and College Arm Wrestling Cup.
Tamás Horváth, table tennis – recipient of a sports scholarship and active member of Óbuda University’s table tennis team.
Dominik Illovszky, athletics, sprinting – finished 8th in the 100-meter sprint at the FISU World University Games; in 2026, he set a new Hungarian national record in the 60-meter sprint with a time of 6.52 seconds.
Dániel Kardos, swimming – achieved 1st place in the 100-meter breaststroke and 2nd place in the 200-meter individual medley at the Hungarian University and College National Swimming Championships.
Mátyás Kiss, athletics – achieved 2nd place in long jump at the Hungarian University and College National Athletics Championships.
Gergely Klár, water polo – recipient of a sports scholarship; as a member of Óbuda University’s water polo team, achieved 5th place in the national championship this year.
Máté Kornyik, judo – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Judo Championships.
Bendegúz Koska-Gonzales, fencing – achieved 2nd place both individually and as part of a team at the Hungarian University and College National Fencing Championships.
Réka Kovács, powerlifting – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Powerlifting Championships.
Donna Makó, badminton – achieved 1st place in the team event at the Hungarian University and College National Badminton Championships.
Viktor Mayer, wrestling – achieved 2nd place in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling at the Hungarian University and College National Wrestling Championships.
Eszter Mészáros, two-time Olympian sport shooter – represented Hungary at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. Recipient of a sports scholarship; achieved 5th place in the women’s 10-meter air rifle event at the National Shooting Championships.
Máté Milch, fencing – achieved 2nd place in the team foil event at the Hungarian University and College National Fencing Championships.
Máté Moldován, combat sports – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Grappling Championships.
Ákos Nagy, sport shooting – achieved 2nd place at the Hungarian University and College National Shooting Championships.
Roland Németh, badminton – achieved 1st place in the team event at the Hungarian University and College National Badminton Championships.
Ágnes Portkó, sport climbing – achieved 3rd place in the amateur bouldering category at the Hungarian University and College National Sport Climbing Championships.
Gergely Pósa, combat sports – achieved 3rd place at the Hungarian University and College National Grappling Championships.
Ákos Reinoldi, road cycling – achieved 2nd place in road cycling at the Hungarian University and College National Championships.
Bence Sándor, ice hockey – recipient of a sports scholarship; member of the Erste Liga team of the Gyergyószentmiklós Hockey Club.
Zsuzsanna Sára, archery – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Championship Archery Cup.
Vilmos József Szabó, volleyball and beach volleyball – member of the team that achieved 9th place at the European Universities Beach Volleyball Championships; recipient of a sports scholarship and member of the national volleyball team.
Rubina Aurélia Szász, triathlon – recipient of a sports scholarship; triathlete and member of Óbuda University’s swimming team. Finished 7th in the 100-meter freestyle at the Hungarian University and College National Swimming Championships.
Bálint Szentesi, volleyball – member of the national volleyball team and recipient of a sports scholarship; achieved 1st place at the European Universities Volleyball Championships.
Szabina Szűcs, athletics, heptathlon – member of the national team. Won a silver medal in the heptathlon at the 2025 FISU World University Games, then won the Hungarian national championship in heptathlon in 2026, achieving a personal best of 6,340 points and meeting the qualification standard for the European Championships in Birmingham.
Norbert Tóth, race walking – Olympic athlete and participant in the FISU World University Games; recipient of a sports scholarship. At the 2025 Hungarian Athletics Championships, he won silver in the 5,000-meter race walk (19:41.90), bronze in the 20-kilometer race walk (1:34:07), and won the half-marathon race walk event (1:33:49).
Dávid Uhrin, canoe sprint – national team athlete, sports scholarship recipient, and university world champion. In 2025, he won the gold medal in the C-1 5,000-meter mixed relay event at the U23 World Championships in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal, together with his relay partner Borka Zagyvai.
Lajos Újvári, weightlifting – achieved 1st place at the Hungarian University and College National Weightlifting Championships; member of the national team framework.
Marcell Zuber, athletics, long jump – achieved 3rd place in long jump at the Hungarian University and College National Athletics Championships.
Team Sports
The team consisting of Mirella Trungel, Dominik Bolvári, and Marcell Moczó achieved 2nd place in table tennis at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was Beatrix Molnárné Pajor.
The team consisting of Csaba László, Richárd Farkas, Ádám Gabula, and Zalán Fekete achieved 1st place in chess at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was Sándor Molnár.
The football team consisting of Bence Borkó, András Nyilas, Kristóf Szabó, Roland Bazsó, András Pszota, Gábor Egyed, Ákos András Czvikovszky, Dávid Miklós Fertig, András Horváth, and Gergely Lippai achieved 1st place in football at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was László Dankó.
The 3x3 basketball team consisting of Kata Szakony, Réka László, Dóra Vályi-Nagy, and Ana Arino Chafé achieved 2nd place at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day.
The basketball team consisting of Sibanda Mloyiswa Thandulwazi Joy, Máté Deák, Zalán Kalmár, András Tarnai, Attila Peinhardt, Hunor Szöllősi, Viktor Túri, Zsombor Veres, and Máté Brúnó Viktor achieved 4th place at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. The coach of both basketball teams was Gergely Őri.
The mixed volleyball team consisting of Kíra Sántha, Gergely Zalavári, Anna Póos, Bálint János Baják, Barnabás Máté Busz, Kristóf Sütő, Máté Kanyó, Patrik Tóth, Réka Medvegy, and Réka Vajvoda achieved 2nd place at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day. Their coach was Zsombor Antal.
Zsolt Bahor and Csaba Kleczli, members of the University’s physical education staff, achieved 2nd place in squash at the Technical Higher Education Sports Day.
Based on these outstanding results, the Óbuda University team won the overall competition of the Technical Higher Education Sports Day in 2025.
The team consisting of Nándor Vas, József Gánics, Olivér Dombovári, Bertalan Szepesi, Ákos Takács, László Balogh, Bende Dániel, Péter Gombás, Levente Kis-Prumik, Gábor Lizakovszkí, Márton Pacuk, Dávid Rein, and Dávid Szabó achieved 2nd place in American football at the Hungarian University and College National Championships (MEFOB). Their coach was Krisztián Fábián.
