ICF will take more events around the world - Konietzko

The International Canoe Federation will continue to work hard to take more major events around the world, President Thomas Konietzko has told Chinese television. Mr Konietzko told CGTN the future strength of paddling sports would be determined by building on their global appeal. “We have to use this popularity to make our Olympic disciplines still more popular, and therefore we need more competitions, especially outside Europe,” Mr Konietzko said. “Unfortunately most of our big competitions in the past have taken place in Europe. The new ICF leadership, and myself, want to change this situation. For example, we really appreciated the application from Hangzhou to host our ICF Super Cup next year. “We want to bring more competitions to more continents, and China in Asia with its strength in hosting big competitions is one of the best places to make our sports more popular.” Mr Konietzko also praised the organisers of the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. In March he inspected the venues which will host next month’s canoe and kayak events. “I was able to see for myself the breathtaking scenery of Hangzhou and its venues and facilities,” he said. “I learnt more about the professionalism of the Hangzhou organisers so I’m more than confident that we will experience great and exciting competitions on one of the best venues I have ever seen in the world. “Human resources are very important to make for athletes a special experience, and I learned from all the organisers that they want from the bottom of their hearts this competition to be a success.” "We want to bring more competitions to more continents" Mr Konietzko was asked about the future of dragon boat racing, which will be part of the Asian Games and will also make its debut as an official sport at the 2025 The World Games. He said the attraction of dragon boat was its availability as both a professional and a recreational activity. Dragon boat racing was a demonstration sport at the Tokyo Olympics, and Mr...

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