KOPRIVNICA, September 28, 2026 – Koprivnica stands at the center of the regional wrestling stage. Ahead of the opening bouts of the Balkan Wrestling Championship for U15, U17, and U20 age groups, an official press conference was held at the “Fran Galović” Gymnasium, highlighting the significance of this premier international event and the massive organizational effort behind it.
Addressing the media were representatives of the Croatian Wrestling Federation, Wrestling Club Podravka, the City of Koprivnica, Koprivnica-Križevci County, and young Croatian national team wrestlers who will represent the host country on the mats.
The figures underscore the scale of the endeavor: approximately 800 wrestlers and more than 950 accredited participants from 14 nations have arrived in Koprivnica, with over 1,000 people actively involved in operations every day, including the organizing committee, sector heads, and dedicated volunteers.
Throughout the championship, roughly 3,200 overnight stays will be registered across three northern counties—Koprivnica-Križevci, Varaždin, and Međimurje. Full-board dining operations will serve nearly 9,000 meals, while a dedicated transport fleet of 10 coach buses handles daily shuttle services.
These milestones confirm that the championship has evolved far beyond a pure sporting contest—it represents a vital organizational, economic, and tourism milestone for Koprivnica and the wider region.
Speaking on behalf of the City of Koprivnica, Mayor and Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Mišel Jakšićcommended the host club’s dedication and the prestige the event brings to the local community:
“Heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks go out to the entire Wrestling Club Podravka team for their relentless passion and hard work, which have turned our arena into something truly imposing. Wrestling Club Podravka is an immense source of pride for our city. While wrestling might not always command the same commercial and media spotlight as some other sports, in numbers, athletic achievements, and organizational competence, they belong at the very top.
This journey started with humble ambitions and the question of whether we could pull off such an ambitious international project. With the steadfast backing of the Croatian Wrestling Federation, our organizers carried it out brilliantly. I am confident this championship will provide significant momentum to our wrestlers and future sporting challenges.
May this Balkan Championship serve as an inspiring prelude to future Olympic triumphs.”
President of the Croatian Wrestling Federation Vladimir Bregović emphasized that staging the championship in Koprivnica reflects the Federation’s broader strategy of decentralizing major wrestling tournaments:
“We are introducing a new standard of organization to Koprivnica, fully aligned with our goal of expanding wrestling into multiple regional centers. Over the course of this week, more than 3,000 full-board bookings will be realized in Koprivnica and surrounding areas, providing a direct boost to local tourism and the hospitality economy.
We have top-tier competition across 14 visiting nations and around 950 accredited delegates. I am certain this championship will do the city, the county, and our Federation proud.”
For the tournament host, Wrestling Club Podravka, being awarded the event is both recognition of years of dedicated work and a profound logistical responsibility. Club President Darko Tetec expressed gratitude to the Croatian Wrestling Federation for their trust, as well as to the City of Koprivnica, Koprivnica-Križevci County, the “Fran Galović” Gymnasium, and all commercial partners and sponsors:
“Receiving official hosting rights from the United World Wrestling Balkan Council is both a privilege and a major duty. When accounting for our operational staff and volunteers, well over 1,000 individuals are actively working on this project.
The sheer scale becomes clear when managing every facet simultaneously—from accommodation and catering, to transport networks, competition infrastructure, referee clinics, medical services, and broadcast media.
In terms of complexity, scope, and sheer numbers, this stands as the largest sporting event in Koprivnica’s history.”
Koprivnica-Križevci County also backed the project as co-organizer. County Prefect Tomislav Golubić congratulated the organizers on executing such a complex undertaking:
“I congratulate the entire team at Wrestling Club Podravka on their extraordinary commitment. They have proven that continental Croatia and our county possess the capability to stage major international events.
Over these coming days, Koprivnica turns into a bustling sports hub, and the County is honored to support and partner with such a landmark competition.”
The press conference carried personal resonance through the words of young Croatian national team members about to step onto the mats.
For Lara Blažeković, a standout talent from Wrestling Club Podravka and a medalist at this year’s U17 European Championships, competing in her hometown holds singular meaning:
“I am thrilled that my sport is taking center stage in my hometown and that we have the chance to welcome so many international wrestlers. Stepping out in front of a home crowd provides an unforgettable boost and extra drive to give everything I have on the mat.
This championship gives me invaluable international competition while letting me perform in front of my family, friends, and fellow citizens.”
Blažeković enters the tournament following rigorous training phases, which included a ranking tournament and international training camp in Serbia, continuous work at her home club, and a high-intensity international training camp in Poreč.
Croatian U20 national team wrestler Andrej Rodin highlighted the elite athletic depth of the tournament:
“The caliber of wrestling here is exceptionally strong—very close to what we encounter at European Championships. Powerhouse teams such as Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece are competing, which turns this tournament into ideal preparation for major upcoming international trials.
Facing such high-caliber international wrestlers provides the exact developmental match-ups young athletes need to advance their national team and professional careers.”
The Balkan Championship in Koprivnica features Greco-Roman, Freestyle, and Women’s Wrestling across the U15, U17, and U20 age brackets.
Beyond competition on the mats, organizers have implemented comprehensive media and technical production:
Live Streaming: All competition days broadcast live simultaneously across 3 dedicated channels with real-time digital graphics and instant video review.
Media Coverage: An official photography crew will produce and distribute over 150 edited high-resolution images daily for media outlets and historical archives.
Opening Ceremony: Enhanced by choreographed performances featuring 40 twirlers from Twirling Club Ludbreg, Twirling Club Donji Kraljevec, and Twirling Club Goričan.
From competitors and referees to transport drivers, caterers, volunteers, and the core organizing team, hundreds of dedicated individuals are joining forces as Koprivnica embraces the rhythm of international wrestling.
The stage is set, the mats are laid down, and the delegations are ready. The Balkan Wrestling Championship takes place at the “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” School Sports Hall through October 5.