World Rowing Junior Championships Opened in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The World Rowing Junior Championships (U‑19) were officially opened at the Roman Stadium in Plovdiv. The ceremony was attended by World Rowing Federation President Jean‑Christophe Rolland, Vice‑President Anamari Felps, Bulgarian Minister of Sports Encho Kirjazov, Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Vesela Lecheva, and local officials including Deputy Mayor for Sports Nikolay Bukhalev. All athletes and coaches from the 54 participating nations were present.

The event brings a record 660 competitors, over 200 coaches and staff from 55 countries, fielding 229 boats in 14 disciplines. Competition begins tomorrow at the rowing base, with free public entry, and the finals are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Bulgaria is represented by six boats and 16 rowers, four of whom are from Plovdiv – Maria Chakurova, Svetluzara Georgieva, Yulian Shopkin and Atanas Borisov. This is the second major rowing event in Plovdiv this year, following the World Cup held in June.