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Pokljuka hosts Biathlon World Championships

The Biathlon World Championships is one of the biggest sporting events set to take place in Slovenia in 2021.
Slovenia is ready for the biggest winter sports challenge in its history

Slovenia is ready for the biggest winter sports challenge in its history | Author Stanko Gruden, STA

At the opening ceremony, which mainly focused on the promotion of Slovenia and of biathlon as a sport, Organising Committee president Jelko Kacin stated that Slovenia is ready for the biggest winter sports challenge in its history – the 2021 IBU World Championships Biathlon Pokljuka.

Between now and next Sunday, a total of 337 competitors from 38 countries will battle for medals, at least one of which is expected to remain in Slovenia.

The raising of the flag of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), ceremonially carried by Olympic and World Champion rower Iztok Čop, the most successful Slovenian athlete in recent history, signalled the end of the final act before the climax of the 2020/21 biathlon season – the World Championships in Pokljuka, which will take place in the Rudno Polje area of the plateau until 21 February.

“Pokljuka is a world-class venue,” remarked IBU president Olle Dahlin. “We have already enjoyed a World Championships and a series of World Cup events here. I have no doubt that the organisation of these World Championships will build on the experiences gained in previous competitions. It is significant that the event will also leave an important mark on the development of this centre. I am only sorry that current conditions do not allow us to have fans present in the stands, since they always create a wonderful atmosphere, but we know that millions will be watching at home.” Mr Dahlin also thanked all the principal actors involved in organising this year’s event.

The World Championships in Pokljuka runs from 9 to 21 February, with more than 130 million spectators around the world expected to follow the events.