GENEVA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- World record holders Farida Khalil and Moustafa Abouamer of Egypt are set for the 2025 Obstacle World Championships (OCR), which begin at the National Olympic Sports Center in Beijing on Thursday.
The inaugural championships, whose competition started on Oct. 23 and runs through to 26, have attracted over 500 athletes from more than 30 countries and regions to compete in 100m, 400m and 3,000m races.
Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) president Rob Stull said, "Here in Beijing there is a feeling of immense excitement and optimism. Introducing Ninja-style Obstacle racing has injected a new and dynamic element to our sport. In the next few days I expect to see some exceptional performances from OCR and Ninja specialists and pentathletes."
Zhang Bin, president of the Chinese Modern Pentathlon Association (CMPA), added: "As a dual Olympic city, Beijing stands ready to witness the renewal of traditional Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon. The introduction of the Obstacle event has infused this century-old sport with renewed energy."
The 100m sprint race is closest in design and scale to the Obstacle discipline that has been fully integrated into modern pentathlon during the 2025 season. Obstacles include steps, big wheel, ascension bars, ver wall, rings, balance beam, climbing holds, under wall, flying hoops, giant steps wheels and finish wall.
In the 400m race, the obstacles also include net, monkey bars and tilting ladders, among others. The 3km course features 20 obstacles circling around the stadium urban complex, the UIPM said. ■
