Budapest 2024 boosted by new poll figures on eve of Bach visit

The Hungarian capital is behind Budapest's bid to host the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, a new poll has claimed ©Getty Images

A new poll published on the eve of a visit here from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach claims that two-thirds of the Hungarian public would be "proud" if Budapest won its bid to host the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

According to a public opinion poll conducted earlier this month by French market research company IPSOS, 60 per cent of those questioned would be "happy" if the Hungarian hosted the Olympics and Paralympics.

With only 29 per cent opposing the idea of Budapest hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 the results show there is strong support across the country as a whole, Hungarian officials claimed.

Publication of results follows growing calls in the country for a referendum, with reports claiming a public vote will be held if an opposition initiative attracts 140,000 signatures.

The ruling Fidesz, who have a comfortable majority in the Budapest City Council, have claimed it is too late to ask the opinion of voters. however.

The opposition groups say the decision on whether the city should remain in the race for the 2024 Games should not have purely been made by politicians.

Atlanta 1996 Olympic bantamweight gold medallist István Kovács is among the top Hungarian athletes IOC Thomas Bach is expected to meet in Budapest ©Getty Images

The latest poll figures are a boost to the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB), who are tomorrow hosting a gala evening in the Hungarian Opera House where Bach will be guest of honour.

“On the eve of the 120th anniversary celebration of the Hungarian National Olympic Committee these results are proof that the nation is truly committed to sport” said Balázs Fürjes, chairman of Budapest 2024.

"We are proud of our sporting history and are confident in our ability to deliver a strong and credible bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games."

Bach is due to meet several of Hungary's Olympic champions, including Ágnes Kovács, the Sydney 2000 200 metres breaststroke champion.

He is also scheduled to spend time with former boxer István Kovács, the Atlanta 1996 bantamweight gold medallist and the former WBO featherweight champion.

István Kovács is expected to play a leading role in Budapest 2024.

Bach will be accompanied during his visit by Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees, and the country's IOC member Pál Schmitt, a member of the Hungarian squads that won gold medals in the team 'épée at Mexico City 1968 and Munich 1972.

Schmit is a former President of Hungary.