First UIPM Asia Development Camp a huge hit with athletes from 10 different nations 

Athletes from ten Asian nations gathered in Ormoc City (PHI) for the UIPM 2024 Asia Development Camp a first-of-its-kind high-level training camp organised by UIPM.

Aiming to expand Modern Pentathlon's reach in a continent which has seen hugely successful and sustained growth, the initiative aimed to build on development across Asia and empower future athletes and coaches. Athletes from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines attended and benefited from the expertise made available.

The camp, which focused on skills-building, youth engagement, and regional collaboration, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning, was organised through the IOC Youth Athlete Development Program, with participating countries prioritised based on the IOC criteria list.

The camp’s primary goal was to enhance athletes' abilities across modern pentathlon disciplines, including the new Obstacle event. It also aimed to inspire athletes to pursue pentathlon professionally, set career goals, and bring home valuable training methodologies and knowledge.

The camp’s objectives align closely with UIPM’s 5E Strategy for global development: Education, Equality, Equipment, Empowerment and Expansion. Athletes gained insights from coaches and instructors, while organizers and coaches learned from the athletes.

Beyond the training sessions, Anfisa Kasyanova, UIPM Education and Project Manager and certified Athlete365 Educator, led self-discovery workshops for the athletes and integrated Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) activities into both training and outside.

Over five days, athletes completed 16 focused training sessions led by UIPM Level 3 coach, Tom Toolis, also a coach for Pentathlon GB. Toolis’s expertise ensured that athletes at various skill levels received effective, individualized guidance, overcoming challenges in each pentathlon discipline.

Following the camp, athletes participated in the SEA/Asian Laser Run Championships, applying newly acquired skills, testing themselves in the competitive environment and fresh goals for improvement in running and shooting.

The camp’s potential impact on modern pentathlon in Asia is already apparent given it has developed new talent pipelines, raised coaching standards and fostered a connected, enthusiastic community for future events. Participants remain active in communication channels, and UIPM plans to hold online follow-up sessions to support their progress and engagement.

Athletes who took part were effusive in their praise for the course.

Rahul Darshan from Nepal said: “The camp helps us know, build relations with various nations and people. It also challenges us to improve ourselves, having camps like these builds up a person to become more confident and happy.”

Marites Nocyao from the Philippines added: “The camp offered a perfect blend of skill development and fun. The coaches were knowledgeable and supportive, helping athletes of all levels improve in their disciplines. The lectures on Olympic values were truly inspiring. I especially appreciated the opportunity to make new friends and learn from diverse backgrounds. I can't wait to apply what I've learned!”

Shtukina Mariia from Kyrgyzstan said: “This training camp was very intense. I gained a lot of experience training under the guidance of a professional coach and in a team that energized and supported me. For me, as a very individual athlete, it was important to feel like a part of a sports family.”

Tom Toolis, Pentathlon GB coach and training camp instructor said: "The recent camp was an incredible opportunity to upskill and educate a broad range of Asian nations that have aspirations to compete at the highest level in Modern Pentathlon. The experience was rewarding for me as I was able to work with multiple cultures and backgrounds. Despite the differences in training history all athletes were engaged, dedicated and passionate about the training and lessons of each discipline.”

Anfisa Kasyanova, UIPM Education and Project Manager, training camp coordinator and educator: “The UIPM 2024 Asia Development Camp marked a significant milestone in advancing Modern Pentathlon across Asia. Athletes gained invaluable insights from UIPM Coach Instructor Tom Toolis, as well as from each other, fostering a true sense of community.

“This event was made possible by the tremendous support of the Philippines Modern Pentathlon Association, who hosted the camp. We also extend our gratitude to the IOC for their financial backing, which played a crucial role in making this camp a success.”

Rex de la Cruz, Philippines Modern Pentathlon Association coach and training camp host, said: “Hosting a training camp that combined both physical and career development was transformative for the participating athletes. The experience underscored UIPM's commitment to nurturing well-rounded pentathletes who are complete athletes in every sense as cited by Pierre de Coubertin.”

Maxime Papillon, UIPM Development Director, said: “For some time now we have seen the strength of the Asian confederation at the elite end of Modern Pentathlon. But it has been a huge area of growth and focus for UIPM too. This wonderfully conceived and delivered Development Camp will serve to fuel that growth of UIPM sports.

“I want to say a huge congratulations and thanks to both Anfisa and Tom for their dedication and energy instructing and executing this camp as well as express my gratitude to the Philippines federation for their invaluable support.”