Modern pentathlon
Modern pentathlon is five disciplines in one day held as four events: fencing, an obstacle race, swimming and the laser run, which combines laser shooting and running. Fencing, obstacle and swimming earn points, which become a head start in the laser run at one second a point, so the first athlete across the finish line wins. The fencing is with the épée, every athlete fencing every other once with the first hit winning the bout.
New to modern pentathlon? Start here
How long
Five disciplines in one day: fencing, obstacle, swimming and the laser run
Lengths are from the rule book.
The big events, and why they matter
- 1Olympic Games (modern pentathlon)The title the sport was created for; obstacle racing replaces riding from 2028.Every 4 years · Holder: Ahmed El-Gendy
- 2UIPM World ChampionshipsThe sport's own world title.Yearly · Holder: 7 events; Matěj Lukeš and Blanka Guzi…
India
- Modern pentathlon at the Olympic Games: No medal
- World Modern Pentathlon Championships: No medal
Countries to know
India and the nations that have done best, biggest titles first.
- HungaryModern pentathlon at the Olympic Games: 10 golds, 8 silvers, 6 bronzes (latest 2024); World Modern Pentathlon Championships: 61 golds, 55 silvers, 39 bronzes (latest 2026)
- Soviet UnionModern pentathlon at the Olympic Games: 5 golds, 5 silvers, 5 bronzes (latest 1988); World Modern Pentathlon Championships: 32 golds, 25 silvers, 14 bronzes (latest 1990)
- PolandModern pentathlon at the Olympic Games: 3 golds, 1 bronze (latest 2016); World Modern Pentathlon Championships: 34 golds, 18 silvers, 21 bronzes (latest 2025)
- RussiaModern pentathlon at the Olympic Games: 4 golds, 1 silver (latest 2016); World Modern Pentathlon Championships: 22 golds, 31 silvers, 20 bronzes (latest 2026)
- Great BritainModern pentathlon at the Olympic Games: 4 golds, 2 silvers, 3 bronzes (latest 2020); World Modern Pentathlon Championships: 23 golds, 25 silvers, 18 bronzes (latest 2026)
Who runs it
| Rules made by | Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), 2026 Modern Pentathlon Competition Rules and Equipment Regulations, as of 1 February 2026 |
| International federation | Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) |
| In India |
The UIPM report confirms the body; its term ran to 2026, so the current office-bearers are to check.
Where and when it is played
In one day: fencing, a 70-metre obstacle course, swimming and the laser run. The big events: the Olympic Games every four years and the UIPM World Championships every year.