Otepää set to host IBU Youth and Junior World Championships 

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Hendrik Osula

From February 23 to March 2, 2024, Estonia’s winter capital Otepää will welcome 500 young biathletes from 38 countries for the prestigious IBU Youth and Junior World Championships.

The championships at the Tehvandi Sport Center mark a significant milestone for Otepää, which previously hosted the event in 2018. Hillar Zahkna, Chairman of the Competition Committee, emphasized the challenges and the excitement surrounding this year’s event. “For organisers, the Youth and Junior World Championships is even more difficult than the World Cup stage, because this event involves significantly more competition days and athletes,” he noted.

Despite snow-related challenges across Europe this season, Otepää boasts excellent conditions for the championships. “Tehvandi Sports Center is ready for the competitions, the tracks are all well prepared and the event will take place,” Zahkna affirmed.

Simultaneously, Otepää will host the Youth Mobility Week from February 27 to March 1, offering biathlon lessons and opportunities to explore the town’s winter sports offerings.

Registration for biathlon lessons is available through Piletilevi, as are day, weekend and competition passes. You can also watch the races for free by standing next to the track. 

Further information on the full schedule for the event is available on the official IBU Youth and Junior World Championships website. 

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