BEIJING, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 UIPM Obstacle World Championships, the first of its kind since the obstacle course racing was officially added to modern pentathlon in 2022, concluded on Sunday at the National Olympic Sports Center in Beijing.

In a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua, UIPM Secretary General Shiny Fang said that replacing traditional horse riding with the obstacle course racing was not a simple change of disciplines, but a strategic transformation aimed at achieving "rebirth through innovation."

"I think China has a great place to kick this off," UIPM President Rob Stull told Xinhua earlier, commenting on the decision to stage the inaugural Obstacle World Championships in Beijing.

Fang echoed that view, noting that "as a dual Olympic city, Beijing has demonstrated its capabilities in infrastructure, event management, and operational efficiency."

She noted that with the growth of mass sports and the promotion of diverse disciplines, China now offers comprehensive venues and mature organizational capabilities, making it "a reliable choice" for hosting international competitions.

Meanwhile, "China's vast market also provides enormous potential for the sport's development," she added.

Although China's recent Olympic results in modern pentathlon have been modest, Fang said the introduction of obstacle racing could provide a new breakthrough.

"Commercial obstacle racing brands like Spartan are already cultivating the market. They're helping us build momentum. I believe obstacle racing can reignite public enthusiasm for modern pentathlon," she said.

With obstacle course racing added as a new discipline in modern pentathlon, issues of standardization and regulation have come into focus. Fang said the move toward standardization is "both necessary and inevitable."

"Modern pentathlon was created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1912 specifically for the Olympic Games. It's a sport born with Olympic identity. Its deep tradition is its strength -- but it also needs to evolve with the times," she noted. "If obstacle racing aims to become an independent Olympic event one day, standardization will be fundamental. The current reforms are paving the way for that long-term development of the sport."

Compared with the stable audiences and commercial value built by obstacle-based TV shows abroad, such as Ninja Warriors, China's market remains at an earlier stage -- often represented by entertainment-style reality shows that have yet to generate significant public attention for the sport or for professional athletes. Fang said this reflects cultural differences and stages of economic development, and that change requires "both time and guidance."

"Right now, most Chinese variety shows focus primarily on entertainment, but as living standards improve, people's needs will change," Fang explained. "Just like marathon and Spartan races gained popularity, more people are seeking fitness, social connection, and self-challenge, that's the foundation for the sport's popularization."

Although modern pentathlon will remain on the program for the LA28 Olympic Games, its athlete quota has been reduced from 72 to 64, with only surfing having fewer competitors, with 48. In a commentary published in May, Fang analyzed the International Olympic Committee's reasoning, saying that as a "century-old sport," modern pentathlon must keep evolving to survive.

Fang showed her optimism, citing visible progress from recent reforms. "Previously, modern pentathlon events were completed over just two days with long single sessions, which made live broadcasting nearly impossible," she said. "Now, with a four-day schedule and shorter competition sessions, the format is better suited for media coverage. Meanwhile, replacing horse riding with obstacle course racing has drawn new athletes from Africa and Oceania, expanding the sport's global reach."

Looking ahead to LA28, Fang expressed confidence in Team China's potential. "The national team has recruited an Italian coach with extensive experience, who has previously trained Olympic champions," she said.

"With the optimized formats in swimming, fencing, and other disciplines, both our male and female athletes have the potential to achieve strong results in Los Angeles. We're looking forward to it." ■