A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of work on a wide-ranging modern pentathlon complex in Kunming, China.
The facility, which has been backed by the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM), will include an altitude training base and an international event centre.
The complex will be known as the UIPM Asia-Pacific Development Centre (APDC). UIPM hopes the facility will act as a “transformative base” for the modern pentathlon movement in China and the wider Asian continent.
The Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation (AMPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding of intent for cooperation with the APDC. Construction is scheduled to start later this year.
The development centre headquarters will span 1,607 acres, while the altitude training base and international event centre are planned to be located in Yunnan Central New District, covering an area of 2,517 acres.
Following the completion of the project, the venue will be able to host major UIPM events such as World Championships, World Cups and other related competitions.
Construction, which will be carried out in conjunction with Yunnan Wuxiang Sports Industry Development Co Ltd, will last around five years. The project has been supported by the Yunnan provincial government and the Kunming city government.
UIPM president Klaus Schormann said: “Modern pentathlon has a wide influence in the world and we have already seen exciting growth across the Asian continent, resulting in a big increase in athlete participation and Olympic medals for China (2012), Korea (2021 and 2024) and Japan (2024).
“The construction of the Asia-Pacific Development Centre will inject new vitality into sport development across the region, giving national federations a base where athletes can train, where competitions can be held and where audiences from across China and the world can be thrilled by a wonderful sport that has an exciting future.”
Plans for the complex were first announced in 2022.
