Hanson clocked a time of 1 min 49.34sec to finish ahead of Russia’s Maksim Aleksandrov, the runner-up in 1:49.76, and Switzerland’s Antonio Djakovic, who came third in 1:50.05.

"I am very happy I have won," the Swede said.

"I did not pay attention to the fact that this is the first gold medal of the EYOF in Győr, but still, it feels really good that I am the one who has it.

"I really like the location and that we have a full house.

"I only have moments to celebrate because I still have to concentrate on the following tasks.

"Now the focus is on swimming and then, of course, after I’ve finished my races, I can relax a bit."

Among the other winners in the pool today was home favourite Reka Nagy, who won the girls’ 400m individual medley in 4:48.11.

Italy’s Martina Ratti finished second in 4:52.09, while Germany’s Giulia Goerigk came third in 4:53.38.

There was further success for the host nation in the girls’ 200m butterfly, which Blanka Berecz won in 2:11.26.

Spain’s Ana Maria Lamberto Garcia claimed the silver medal in 2:11.78 and Germany’s Rosalie Kleyboldt secured bronze in 2:14.80.

Berecz broke the event record in the heats with a time of 2:12.84 before improving the mark further in the final. 

"I was really tired - it was really hard to survive the last five metres," Berecz said. 

"After the qualifying heat, I expected the victory in the final, but I did not think it would be this close."

Russia won the boys’ 4x100m freestyle title in 3:25.03, followed by Italy in 3:27.58 and Sweden in 3:27.68.

They also came out on top in the girls’ 4x100m event in 3:49.05 with The Netherlands second in 3:49.37 and Hungary third in 3:49.65.

Volleyball action also begun today with Russia beating Hungary 3-0 in the first round of the boys' event at the University Sport Hall.

Hungary made a good start to the girls' basketball competition, though, as they overcame Germany 60-45 at Bercsényi School. 

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.