An English-language master’s programme in canoe and kayak coaching will be launched at Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) this September. To realise this, a cooperation agreement of historic significance has been signed by the university, the domestic and international canoe and kayak federations, and the Katalin Kovács National Kayak-Canoe Academy.
A unique, English-language international master’s programme titled MSc Sport Coaching – Canoe and Kayak Sprint will be launched at Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) in September 2026. The programme will be implemented in cooperation with the International Canoe Federation, the Hungarian Canoe Federation and the Hungary-based Kovács Katalin National Canoe-Kayak Academy.
The program is unique in the world. The curriculum was developed by master teacher András Szabó, who was mentored by Dr Csaba Ökrös, Vice Rector for General Affairs. The training is aligned with the university’s international objectives.
HUSS, which will act as the host institution of the training, concluded a cooperation agreement on Wednesday with its key partners who will play an important role in the realisation of the programme. The event was held among considerable media interest.
The four-party agreement is unique in several respects in the more than one-hundred-year history of the university. While the master’s programme was initiated and conceived by the university, it will be conducted in English and will draw on the decades of experience and close cooperation of four major organizations with extensive expertise in both Hungarian and international canoe and kayak sport and education. The necessary sports science background will be provided by HUSS in a sport that is the second most successful Olympic sport in Hungary.
The International Canoe Federation will offer technical support, the Hungarian Canoe Federation will provide the professional leadership and support of the programme, while Kovács Katalin National Canoe-Kayak Academy will be responsible for providing the venue of the sport-specific practical training as well as for world-class equipment and sports science laboratories.
Representatives of the organisations attending the signing ceremony included HUSS rector Professor Tamás Sterbenz, the International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko, the Hungarian Canoe Federation President Gábor Schmidt, Professor h.c. Lajos Mocsai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Hungarian University of Physical Education as well as three-time Olympic champion kayaker and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Kovács Katalin National Canoe-Kayak Academy, Katalin Kovács.
In his opening speech, HUSS rector Tamás Sterbenz pointed out that the master’s programme is the level at which it is absolutely essential to incorporate sports science background.
He added that Hungary, and the university in particular, will be an excellent venue for the programme, as true knowledge can only be acquired from the very best through personal connections – and in this regard, the university has a century of experience.
The International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko welcomed the agreement and added:
“This initiative represents much more than an academic programme with strong partners. It is a strategic investment in the future of our sport.”
“Ultimately, the development of canoeing does not only depend on competitions, it depends on people around the world. On well-educated coaches, on knowledgeable experts, and on a strong connection between sport and science.
“This is exactly what makes this programme so valuable. It creates a clear pathway for athletes and coaches who wish to continue their journey in our sport beyond their competitive careers. It allows them to combine passion with profession, and to remain part of the global canoeing family in a meaningful and impactful way."
The Hungarian Canoe Federation’s President Gábor Schmidt noted that it is an honour for canoe and kayak as well as for Hungary that the international federation, like the international federations of other sports, has opened a new office in Budapest.
He added that this also presents an opportunity for the parties to further strengthen the sport’s position within the Olympic movement.
The president expressed that this future cooperation will also energize the long-standing friendly and professional relationship between the university and the Hungarian federation.
Lajos Mocsai outlined that similarly to several renowned international sports universities, HUSS is also capable of providing high-level education to its students both domestically and internationally.
He emphasized that the current cooperation represents a close integration of practice, professional experience, and academic knowledge.
He added that a particularly important role is played by the National Canoe-Kayak Academy, which provides the essential professional foundation required for the programme.
The signing of the cooperation agreement marks the beginning of a new partnership to strengthen canoe and kayak sports in Hungary and worldwide, while supporting the development of future athletes and coaches.
Photo by Gergely Vidor
