UIPM Development Spotlight – Edition 2: Unity in Action Across Continents

Across all corners of the globe, the 2025 season continued to ramp up as UIPM's development initiatives expanded again with remarkable momentum.

From vibrant youth engagement in Venezuela to cross-border collaboration in Singapore, and from historic sites in Lebanon to scenic lakesides in Georgia and Moldova, the Global Laser Run City Tours (GLRCT) and Biathle-Triathle World Tours (BTWT) are igniting passion and community through multisport.

After the early part of the year saw huge strides made from Mali to Latvia and plenty of spots in between, the pace kicked up another notch in recent months. Here are some short Tour summaries which give a flavour of the breadth and range of competitions which continue to attract huge participation and waves of newcomers across the global movement…

 

Global Laser Run City Tours (GLRCT): diversity, innovation & growth

Banha, Egypt

June 27

Banha City Club hosted the third GLRCT of the year, gathering over 400 athletes from 24 clubs nationwide. With competitors ranging in age from 9 to 60+, and the enthusiastic participation of Paralympic athletes, the event truly embodied the values of inclusivity and opportunity.

“We firmly believe that Paralympic athletes are one of the most important parts of our sport community,” shared a local organizer. “It is our responsibility to ensure they are not only included but celebrated. This event was a powerful reminder that Modern Pentathlon is a space for all — and we are already seeing emerging talent ready to join national ranks.”

Miranda, Venezuela

July 12

Los Teques, the city of Miranda State, came alive with the energy of 152 young athletes and their families. Despite limited resources, the Venezuelan Federation of Modern Pentathlon delivered an uplifting, community-rooted event that extended far beyond competition.

“Thanks to the support of the UIPM, we were able to organize a joyful and meaningful Laser Run that brought children from nearby communities into our world,” said a representative. “Events like this help us reach untapped talent and give youth a new dream. We are grateful and committed to continuing this journey. The smiles we saw today are the future of modern pentathlon in Venezuela.”

Singapore, Singapore

July 13

Singapore hosted its GLRCT on 13 July at the Singapore Sports Hub’s Arena Park, welcoming 210 athletes from 15 countries, a remarkable 144% participants increase from 2024. Brunei and Vietnam participated for the first time, with athletes achieving impressive results despite not having formal federations.

“This event proves what’s possible when a community believes in sport,” said the event’s lead coordinator. “We had countries flying in, youth giving their all, and even a PlayBuddy race where athletes with disabilities partnered with able-bodied teammates. Everyone was part of something bigger than themselves. It was one of the most inclusive, diverse events we've ever seen in Southeast Asia.”

Biathle-Triathle World Tour (BTWT): Scenic settings, deep impact

Tbilisi, Georgia

June 15

Georgia’s BTWT event at Lisi Lake blended competition with community celebration. Light rain only added to the spirit of fun and focus as athletes from all age groups delivered passionate performances.

“This was a true celebration of sport,” said Natia Matchavariani, event coordinator. “Despite the weather, what stood out was the commitment, joy, and positive energy from everyone. Georgia is embracing this sport, and each year we see more families and clubs joining in. It’s becoming part of our culture.”

16-year-old participant David Donadze added: “Last year I won a medal at the World Championships. Competing here on home soil was not just preparation — it was motivation. I want to go back to the Worlds even stronger.”

Chişinău, Moldova

June 28-29

Chisinau hosted over 160 athletes at a municipal venue supported by the General Directorate of Youth and Sports. With events from U11 to Senior, the BTWT in Moldova continues to grow into a national highlight.

“We are proud to see our event now officially included in the UIPM calendar,” said Ms. A. Țîganu, representative of the General Directorate of Youth and Sports of Chisinau Municipality. “It shows that we’re delivering quality experiences. Watching young athletes compete with focus and joy — this is the best investment we can make in their futures.”

“The event serves as an excellent platform to bring together athletes from various disciplines, including triathlon, swimming, modern pentathlon, as well as healthy lifestyle enthusiasts, “ said Alexei Vailianov, President of the Moldova Modern Pentathlon Federation.

 

Kyiv, Ukraine

June 27-28

Kyiv’s Zhukiv Island welcomed over 200 athletes at the Brigantina youth sports base. Despite cooler weather, the energy and resilience of the participants made it one of the season’s most emotional stops.

“Even though the summer air was cool, the spirit of the competition was anything but,” one participant joked. “The water was quite refreshing, and every race felt intense — in the best way possible.”

Local organizers expressed pride in the event’s success and the level of commitment shown by all involved. “We’re thrilled with how everything came together,” shared one of the Brigantina coordinators. “The commitment the athletes showed, in and out of the water, was deeply inspiring. It reminded us all that sport can unify and uplift even in difficult times. It was a fantastic competition, and we’re happy to see athletes leaving with smiles and new motivation.”

Jbaïl, Lebanon

July 13

The first ever BTWT in Jbaïl (Byblos) combined heritage and sport in a memorable way. Over 150 athletes from across the country competed in front of dignitaries and local fans.

“Hosting BTWT in a city like Byblos, with its rich history and vibrant culture, was incredibly symbolic,” shared a member of the organizing team. “It brought the community together in a joyful, healthful, and empowering environment. For many young participants, this was their first-ever competition and they left wanting more.”

One parent added: “My son now wants to join a Pentathlon club. He was inspired, and I saw his confidence grow in just one afternoon.”

Almazán, Spain

July 19

Almazán in Castile and León hosted a dynamic BTWT event that doubled as a regional championship. With nearly 200 athletes and multiple age divisions, the competition showcased the depth of local talent.

“We’ve seen this sport go from niche to necessary in just a few years,” said a coach from CD Tripenta Tordesillas. “The commitment from clubs and families is remarkable. Biathle and Triathle are giving young athletes confidence, identity, and clear goals.”

 

Būrabay, Kazakhstan

July 3–6

The scenic Burabay resort in Akmola hosted the 2025 Biathle and Triathle Asian Championships, held in parallel with a BTWT stage. Over 320 athletes from countries including Japan, UAE, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and host nation Kazakhstan competed across four days of individual and mixed relay races. The pristine lake, forested shooting range, and lakeside running path created a perfect setting, while foreign delegations praised the high-level organization and warm hospitality.

“The combination of natural beauty, professional organization, and passionate athletes made this one of the most memorable events on the Asian calendar,” said a visiting coach. “Athletes felt welcomed, challenged, and inspired.”

Notably, Japan’s debut in the U11 and U13 categories brought impressive performances and strong medal contention, further highlighting the growing strength of Asian nations in multisport development.

 

Banjul, Gambia

June 29

Banjul hosted the African Zone A Championships in Laser Run and Triathle, organized by the Gambian Federation of Modern Pentathlon (GFMP). Five nations — The Gambia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Conakry — competed across U13 to Senior categories. With nearly 20 female athletes participating and standout performances in both disciplines, the event marked a milestone for regional collaboration and female representation. Mali topped the medal table with 10 medals, followed by strong showings from host nation The Gambia and Senegal.

“This championship was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of African unity through sport,” said a GFMP official. “We are proud to offer young athletes from across Zone A the opportunity to compete, connect, and grow together under the UIPM banner.”

 

Spotlight on China: Laying foundations for the future

UIPM continues to support China’s internal training and promotion initiatives. Local organizers are developing programs to introduce more young people to Laser Run and Biathle-Triathle disciplines, with future GLRCT events on the horizon.

Chinese organizers hosted a successful GLRCT judges training session in late June at the Wuhan Donghu University. The first specific training program to have taken place in China, it aimed to better prepare for the GLRCT events coming later of the year as well as to diversify the talent pool and increase the nationwide participation.

There are more than 50 people attending the training, including organizing staff, interpreters, and 31 judges. GLRCT will make stops in China with the first to be hosted in Wuhan on Oct 23-26, and another in Hefei from Nov 1-2.

 The key organizer, Mr. Gu Zhou, Deputy General Manager from Xinhua Bookstore said: “Laser Run can improve the students' focus ability, and help their physical and mental health. To host GLRCT competitions is in line with national policies and requirements in China. We welcome more students can be involved in this community in the future.”

 

Looking ahead

The 2025 calendar features several milestones for development of the sports. Among the headline moments still to come is the inaugural joint World Championships for Biathle/Triathle and Laser Run in Mossel Bay (South Africa), and the second combined European Championships for both disciplines in Antalya (Turkey), both taking place late in the year.

 

Jawid Khawar (AFG), the UIPM Executive Board Member for Development, said: “The season’s second wave is already underway, with more events in planning stages across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. From first-time participants to seasoned champions, UIPM’s development calendar is proving once again that modern multisport has no borders — only opportunity.

“Energy and expansion defined the start of 2025. Now, connection, community, and courage are leading us forward — one start line at a time.”

Stay tuned for more updates from UIPM’s global network of development competitions.