Romani boxer from Hungary, Richárd Kovács, among the top 10 best boxers at the Olympic Games in Paris
In the boxing quarter-finals at the Olympics, Hungarian boxing hopeful Richárd Kovács, who is of Romani origin, almost got a chance to medal. He lost to his French rival Sofiane Oumiha in the light welterweight category (63.5 kg).
The result means Kovács missed a shot at competing for a medal by just one match and is one of the best eight boxers in that category at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Oumiha, who won silver at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016, ensured himself a bronze medal at least by winning the quarter-final.
The match was held in a tempestuous atmosphere in the Nord Paris Arena in Villepinte. Oumiha dominated in all three rounds thanks to his agility and speed, scoring him a clear victory on points.
Kovács, despite not advancing to the semi-final, performed excellently and showed his abilities on the world stage. His participation in the quarter-final of the Olympic tournament is an important success not just for him, but for boxing in Hungary and for the Romani community.
Richárd Kovács: Romani boxer aims to inspire
Richárd Kovács is the five-time champion of Hungary in the light welterweight category, winning his titles in 2017 and 2019-2022. He won the bronze at the European Championships in 2022 and 2024.
In 2023, Kovács won the bronze at the European Games and ensured his participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He lives with his family in his hometown of Nyíregyháza.
Kovács believes the example he is setting can motivate Romani children to do their best to achieve their goals. He has said that if his success can inspire at least one Romani child, that will mean more to him than competing at the Olympics.
The 26-year-old started boxing at the age of six. It is not just a sport for him, but a tool for developing himself.
“Boxing gave me a good education, self-control, self-discipline, persistence, and in today’s world it’s no disadvantage to know how to defend yourself,” Kovács said in an interview for Telex ahead of the Olympics. Despite having experienced many hardships during his career, including the loss of his sister, Kovács remains determined and prepared to fight not just for himself, but for his community and his family.
In addition to boxing, Kovács teaches history and physical education, focusing on children from the Romani community.
