Hungarian Manhercz chases childhood dream

As a seven-year-old in Budapest, Krisztian Manhercz, like many of his peers, was captivated by the Hungarian water polo team who returned home with their eighth Olympic gold medal from the 2004 Athens Games.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Inspired by the feat of the most successful men's water polo team at the Olympics, Manhercz began to work towards the dream of one day leading his country to the gold medal on the biggest stage.

His recent promotion to captain of the national team meant the 28-year-old has fulfilled part of that childhood dream.

Next, he is working towards the ultimate goal of winning a gold medal of his own.

With the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore marking the start of the Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028, Manhercz hopes the first steps towards reclaiming the throne atop the water polo world will be taken in the Republic.

Hungary, the 2023 world champions, are among the 16 teams vying for the world crown at the OCBC Aquatic Centre from July 11 to 24. The women's tournament kicks off on July 11, followed by the men a day later.