Olympics-Modern pentathlon says TV-friendly obstacle racing can build sport's future

FILE PHOTO: A rider with her horse are seen next to a no riding zone sign during a news conference about keeping horse riding in the modern pentathlon program in Budapest, Hungary, November 12, 2021. REUTERS / Marton Monus/File Photo

(Reuters) - Modern pentathlon's governing body said making TV-friendly obstacle racing the sport's fifth discipline would help build its future amid fierce opposition to its move to drop the equestrian element from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Starting in late June, the UIPM will test two variations of obstacle racing -- which consists of disciplines where athletes run and/or overcome obstacles in timed competitions -- after selecting the sport from more than 60 options.