Official opening Staatsloterij 2026 World Championships at the Bosbaan
AMSTERDAM – This morning, the Staatsloterij 2026 World Rowing Championships officially opened at the Bosbaan in Amsterdam. Twenty minutes before the start of the very first heat, tournament director Nico Rienks raised the Dutch flag in the presence of athletes, coaches, and delegations. With this ceremonial act, the sporting battle for the coveted world titles has officially begun.
Flag Ceremony: The Starting Signal for Athletes and Nations
While the focus over the past few days was on training sessions and final preparations, the raising of the Dutch flag on Monday morning marked a significant milestone for athletes and the 64 participating nations. Exactly twenty minutes before the start of Heat 1, flags fluttered along the Bosbaan, symbolizing the start of the World Championships.
“A big thank you goes out to the more than 600 volunteers, title sponsor Staatsloterij, the City of Amsterdam, and of course all our sub-sponsors. We are also incredibly grateful for World Rowing’s trust in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, to host the World Championships here on our beautiful Bosbaan,” said tournament director Nico Rienks.
Festive Kick-Off at the Official Mayoral Residence
This morning’s athletic start was preceded on Sunday evening by the official opening reception at the Official Residence of the Mayor of Amsterdam. The evening centered on collaboration with and appreciation for key tournament partners, including title sponsor Staatsloterij, the City of Amsterdam, and World Rowing.
During this festive kick-off, Amsterdam’s Deputy Mayor for Sports Sofyan Mbarki, President of World Rowing Jean-Christophe Rolland, and tournament director Ilse Paulis shared their pride in the event and the unique bond between Amsterdam and elite international rowing.
Tournament director Ilse Paulis: “A home World Championship is truly unique for a rower. Friends and family can come watch, and spectators at the Bosbaan are exceptionally close to the action. Following the renovations, the course and facilities look fantastic. The combination of an international racecourse, the city just around the corner, and fans right beside the water makes this venue extraordinary.”
Medal Chances for TeamNL
“As a rowing nation, we are simply in great shape,” states tournament director Nico Rienks. “Nearly all Dutch crews competing here have a real shot at reaching the podium. That is a massive difference compared to the 2014 World Championships. Of course, being a contender doesn’t mean medals come automatically; everything has to click on race day.”
The 2026 Staatsloterij World Rowing Championships take place from Monday, August 24 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Bosbaan in the Amsterdamse Bos. In addition to the nearly sold-out finals weekend, Thursday and Friday also feature key (semi-)finals, for which tickets are still available.
Share news?
Meer nieuws
