From September 28 to October 4, 2026, the city of Koprivnica and the “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” Sports Hall will become the epicenter of European wrestling! Our city is proud to host the Balkan Wrestling Championship 2026 in Greco-Roman, Freestyle, and Women’s Wrestling (U15, U17, and U20 age categories), jointly organized by the Croatian Wrestling Federation and Wrestling Club Podravka, under the auspices of the City of Koprivnica, Koprivnica-Križevci County, and the Podravka Group.
his year’s Balkan Championship has surpassed all previous editions and is officially the largest and most competitive Balkan Championship to date. The arrival of nearly 950 wrestlers, coaches, and officials from 14 European countries has been confirmed, representing tremendous recognition for our club’s organizational efforts as well as exceptional sports and tourism promotion for the entire region.
The official presentation of this major international sporting event will take place at a press conference scheduled for the beginning of the competition week:
Date and Time: Monday, September 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM
Location: “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” Sports Hall (Ulica doktora Željka Selingera bb, Koprivnica
Duration: 20 minutes (formal agenda and statements for the media)
Vladimir Bregović, President of the Croatian Wrestling Federation
Darko Tetec, President of Wrestling Club Podravka and President of the Organizing Committee
Tomislav Golubić, Prefect of Koprivnica-Križevci County
Mišel Jakšić, Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament and Mayor of the City of Koprivnica
Lara Blažeković, Croatian National Team Member (U17)
Andrej Rodin, Croatian National Team Member (U20)
Throughout the tournament, match schedules, results, and key updates from the “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” Hall will be published regularly on the official website and social media channels of Wrestling Club Podravka.
We invite all sports enthusiasts and supporters to come to the arena, cheer on our young national team athletes, and enjoy world-class wrestling matches!
Media Contact:
Dinko Kremić
Media Relations Officer