Hungary have been one of the most consistent teams at the Olympic Games, placing in the top-10 in each of the eight editions they took part in so far. But Paris 2024 marks the return of the European team for the first time since London 2012, when they finished fourth, a long absence from the Olympics for Hungary.

However, the big aim for the European side was always a medal, which evaded Hungary, a team that placed fourth five times, at Munich 1936, Moscow 1980, Seoul 1988, Athens 2004 and London 2012, having never secured a bronze medal and having never played the final, despite being always close to it.

After being eliminated in the preliminary round at the EHF EURO 2022, on their home ground, Hungary changed direction and named Chema Rodriguez at the helm of the team, and the Spanish coach has transformed the European powerhouse, ranking eighth at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship and fifth at the EHF EURO 2024, with Hungary having an interesting mix of youth and experience.

This time around, a chance to go to the Olympic Games was not to be misses, with Rodriguez building up his entire squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification Tournament #3, which Hungary hosted in Tatabanya in March. 

There, Hungary finished second, after a win against Tunisia, 33:24, a loss against Norway, 25:29, and, finally, a win against Portugal, 30:27, after a close battle in the last match, where 21-year-old right wing Bence Imre shined, scoring nine goals, to lift his side to a win and the second place in the final standings.

Both Imre and right back Zoran Ilic, who have secured the silver medal at the 2023 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, are in the 14-player squad which will make the trip to Paris 2024, alongside more experienced players, like Richard Bodo, Mate Lekai or Bence Banhidi, as Hungary have a strong core to use in the competition.

“It was a very difficult decision to narrow down the squad, as we had to decide on players who were there at this year's European Championship and Olympic qualifiers, and as we say, we are a family. All players are preparing in an extremely professional manner, I would like to thank the three team members who are not coming to the Olympics with us for their work. They understood and accepted the decision, which is why I am perhaps even more proud of my team than usual. We had to name 14 players and 3 reserves,” said coach Chema Rodriguez.

Hungary will face once again Norway in the group phase, as well as the finalists of the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship, Denmark and France, plus Egypt and Argentina. Therefore, there is no room for mistake on their way to a potential quarter-final, which can be a tricky proposition for the ambitious European side.

Hungary

Coach: Chema Rodriguez

Key Players: Bence Banhidi (line player), Richard Bodo (left back), Mate Lekai (centre back)

Qualification for Paris 2024: Olympic Qualification Tournament #3: 2nd place

Previous appearances: 1936: 4th, 1972: 8th, 1976: 6th, 1980: 4th, 1988: 4th, 1992: 7th, 2004: 4th, 2012: 4th 

Group at Paris 2024: Group B: Denmark, Norway, Hungary, France, Egypt, Argentina