One Range, Seven Nations: Young Biathletes Connect in Shchuchinsk

From 10–19 July, athletes and coaches from seven Asian national federations came together at the National Ski Centre in Shchuchinsk, Kazakhstan, for a week of training, learning and exchange.

“For young athletes across Asia, opportunities to train and compete together are not always easy to create because of the distances involved. This camp gave them the chance to learn from each other, build relationships and then take that experience directly into the Asian Championships” - Ilario Maddalin, IBU Development Project Coordinator.

Learning by doing On the range, athletes worked on much more than hitting targets. They explored position, balance, rifle handling, rhythm and how to stay calm under pressure. Through demonstrations, practical tasks and individual feedback, every session became a chance to ask questions, try new ideas and learn together. The same approach continued in the gym and during the workshops, giving athletes a better understanding of why they train and how they can take more responsibility for their own development.

Different countries, one biathlon family Some of the best moments happened between sessions. Athletes who arrived as strangers soon shared meals, recovery time, laughs and conversations around the venue. The camp brought together different languages, cultures and levels of experience, but everyone shared the same challenge: becoming a better biathlete.

From camp to competition The camp concluded with a mixed-nations single mixed relay. Athletes had to manage skiing, shooting, exchanges and pressure while working with teammates from other national federations. The camp was closely connected to the IBU Regional Event Summer Asian Championships, which followed in Shchuchinsk, giving athletes a valuable opportunity to take what they had learned into a real competition environment.

A big thank you goes to the IBU instructor team, led by Luca Bormolini, together with Sari Maeda, Im Myeongchul, Alina Kolomiyets and Varja Solt, for their preparation, energy and commitment throughout the week. The IBU also warmly thanks the Kazakhstan Biathlon Union for hosting the camp and for their excellent support in making it possible.

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