COMPETITORS FROM 28 COUNTRIES ARRIVING FOR THE WORLD KAYAK AND CANOE CHAMPIONSHIP

BANJA LUKA, MAY 16 /SRNA/ – The World Wildwater Canoeing Championship "Banja Luka – Vrbas 2026", taking place from May 19 to 24 in Banja Luka, will gather competitors from 28 countries and serves as a true indicator that Republika Srpska has the capacity to organize the largest sporting events, said Assistant Minister for Sports Danijela Ćapin.

Ćapin emphasized the significance of this competition in promoting the sporting spirit, as well as the tourism potential of Srpska, noting that the line ministry supported its organization with 110,000 KM.

"In addition to developing sports, our goal is to invest in major sporting events in order to contribute to the promotion and affirmation of Republika Srpska and its capacities," Ćapin said at a press conference in Banja Luka.

The Director of the Kayak Canoe Club "Vrbas", Nikola Stanković, stated that national teams are already arriving in large numbers in Banja Luka, which will host competitors from Senegal, Brazil, America, Canada, and Australia.

"Banja Luka and the Tijesno Canyon have long since become a global kayaking destination, and competitors gladly and increasingly come here for training preparations because the courses are accessible throughout the entire year," Stanković said.

He pointed out that competitors from five continents are coming to the championship, and that Banja Luka will be the center of a massive sporting spectacle.

He emphasized that every effort is being made to ensure the competition runs smoothly. "The only thing we cannot influence is the weather, which has caused some minor complications, but we are resolving that on the go," Stanković noted.

Stanković added that the World Championship will be officially opened at the "Centar" Sports Hall on Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 PM.