Would Balaton Sailors Head to Portugal Because of the Drying Lake? 🌊

The water level of Lake Balaton is getting lower and lower, and sailors have been competing on modified routes for years – but now the Olympic plans would also be directed here. During the preparations for the 2036 Budapest Olympics, it was suggested that the sailing competitions be held on the Hungarian lake, while windsurfing would be sent to Portugal.

According to the documents, Hungary would not undertake the organization alone: Slovakia could organize equestrian events, Austria golf and possibly tennis. However, Lake Balaton would present a special challenge: the lake's area is only one thirty-second of the Ontario venue, and the route had to be changed at this year's Kékszalag race due to extremely low water levels.

Local experts say that the sailing Olympics would require significant infrastructural investments, but due to the drying lake, sustainability is highly questionable. Lake Balaton tourism and water sports enthusiasts receive the news with mixed feelings: on one hand, it could bring prestige to the region, on the other hand, it seems risky in the long term due to water shortage.

The plans are still only in the thinking stage, there is no decision yet – yet the people of Balaton are watching with concern what effect the drying lake would have on the Olympic dreams. ⛵🌊

Source: 444.hu