UIPM is focused on ensuring modern pentathlon retains its place on the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028 ©Getty Images

The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) has claimed all of its focus for this year is for the sport to remain on the programme at the Olympic Games, with its status still in doubt for Los Angeles 2028.

In a joint statement from UIPM President Klaus Schormann and secretary general Shiny Fang, the pair revealed it was their "New Year's resolution" to resolve the situation.

The sport has featured at every Olympic Games since its debut at Stockholm 1912.

"UIPM's New Year resolution and the most important objective of the whole sport in 2023 will be to secure modern pentathlon's place on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic programme," read the statement.

"To achieve that, we must move forward as a community with collective purpose.

"Unity, solidarity, opportunity, embracing and strengthening will be the key words for 2023, and we look forward to working together with all of you for the greater good of the sport and for our young generations."

UIPM President Klaus Schormann said 2023 must be about focusing on the sport's inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics ©UIPM
UIPM President Klaus Schormann said 2023 must be about focusing on the sport's inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics ©UIPM

In the rest of their message, there was a stress on good governance, something that opponents to the inclusion of obstacle racing in place of riding as the new fifth discipline of modern pentathlon, would take issue with.

Critics have expressed concern over the way the UIPM Board made the decision to drop riding, following controversies at the re-arranged 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which saw a horse punched by a coach from Germany.

Riding is to remain part of the sport for Paris 2024, which the UIPM added it is a discipline it "will continue to be monitored and reviewed and improved throughout the season".

Obstacle is due to be included at the Junior, Under-19, Under-17 and Under-15 World Championships in 2023, with it not being a part of the senior set-up until after next year's Olympics in the French capital.

Obstacle racing has been proposed as the new fifth discipline in modern pentathlon to replace horse riding at Los Angeles 2028 if the sport retains its place on the Olympic programme ©UIPM
Obstacle racing has been proposed as the new fifth discipline in modern pentathlon to replace horse riding at Los Angeles 2028 if the sport retains its place on the Olympic programme ©UIPM

A final decision on modern pentathlon for Los Angeles 2028 is to be confirmed at an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting this year.

That will be providing they fulfil requirements by the IOC to demonstrate a "significant reduction in cost and complexity", as well as improve universality of the sport.