Hungary has decided to withdraw from hosting the European figure skating championships, scheduled for 22-28 January 2024 in Budapest.
The Hungarian national skating federation made the announcement on Wednesday, citing the economic downturn and soaring energy prices amid the conflict in Ukraine.
“Due to the protracted war on our doorstep, its impact on the economy and the energy tariffs that significantly affect skating, the national federation (MOKSZ) has decided to withdraw after a thorough review,” a statement on its website said.
It explained that it did not have “sufficient financial resources to hold a high-level competition.”
Budapest had been awarded the 2021 bid to host the event by the International Skating Federation, ISU.
According to local press reports, the decision was made due to a lack of state support in the central European country plagued by high inflation and economic difficulties.
For the same financial reasons, Hungary had earlier this year partially withdrawn from the women’s Euro handball tournament, to be hosted with Austria and Switzerland next year.
Meanwhile, the world athletics championships are scheduled to take place in the Hungarian capital from 19 to 27 August.
