The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is preparing for a historic 17th Ordinary IBU Congress, which will see the election of a new President, Executive Board and Technical Committee, as the sport enters its next chapter.

Taking place on 17-20 September in Berchtesgaden (GER), the Congress marks a pivotal moment for biathlon, with National Federations set to elect the leadership that will guide the sport through the implementation of Target 2030 and beyond.

IBU President Olle Dahlin will stand down as President, having fulfilled his term limit and overseen a period of unprecedented success and growth for the sport. Under his leadership, the IBU implemented widespread governance reforms and launched the Target 26 and Target 2030 strategy, transforming the way the organisation operates.

IBU Executive Board member Tim Farcnik (SLO) is the sole candidate in the election for IBU President. Anna Sofia Domeij (SWE) is running unopposed for the position of IBU Vice President, while current IBU Treasurer Christian Scherer (AUS) is running unopposed for re-election as Treasurer. The full list of candidates standing for election to the Executive Board and Technical Committee can be found here.

Beyond the elections, the Congress will take a number of important decisions that will continue to strengthen biathlon's future.

Delegates will elect the host of the World Championships Biathlon 2031, with Kontiolahti (FIN) and Östersund (SWE) both presenting their candidacies to the Congress ahead of the vote.

Delegates will also receive a report on the ongoing implementation of Target 2030, the strategy adopted by the Congress in 2024, reviewing progress made since its adoption.

The Congress will also elect the host of the 2028 IBU Congress.

While the membership status of the Russian Biathlon Union and Biathlon Federation of Belarus are not decision items on the agenda, the Congress will receive a comprehensive update from the Monitoring Group of the Executive Board on the current status of both federations and the Executive Board’s considerations regarding the 2022 Congress decision to suspend them.

Ahead of the Congress, the wider biathlon family will come together for a series of Congress workshops, focused on key topics of importance for the IBU's future development.

The Congress will conclude on the evening of 19 September with the IBU Gala Dinner and Awards night, celebrating excellence across the categories of Sustainability, Gender Equality, Social Media, and Biathlon for All.

Photo: IBU