Planica and Oberstdorf bid for 2031 Nordic World Ski Championships, decision postponed

Planica, Slovenia, and the German town of Oberstdorf presented their candidacies to host the 2031 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships at the International Ski Federation (FIS) congress in Belgrade. However, the FIS Executive Board unexpectedly deferred the decision on the host, postponing it to a later session.

The Slovenian Ski Association (SZS) confirmed the postponement, stating that Planica's bid was prepared in full compliance with FIS requirements. The bid emphasized Planica's rich organizational experience, citing its successful hosting of the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Junior World Championships. The presentation highlighted the region's sporting tradition, top-tier infrastructure, commitment to sustainable development, strong governmental and local support, and an experienced organizing team.

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Kandidatura je bila pripravljena in oddana v skladu z vsemi zahtevami in pravili Fisa ter temelji na bogatih organizacijskih izkušnjah, ki jih je Slovenija pridobila z izvedbo svetovnega prvenstva v Planici leta 2023 in mladinskega svetovnega prvenstva leta 2024. Predstavitev je izpostavila športno tradicijo Planice, vrhunsko infrastrukturo, trajnostni razvoj dogodka, močno podporo države in lokalnega okolja ter izkušeno organizacijsko ekipo.

Ambassadors for the Slovenian bid, Petra Majdič and Peter Prevc, presented Planica's significance for athletes, fans, and the future of Nordic disciplines to FIS board members. The SZS noted that the 2031 bid builds upon the legacy of the 2023 championship, which yielded significant developmental, sporting, and economic benefits, further solidifying Slovenia's position in the world of winter sports.

Luka Steiner, President of the SZS, expressed gratitude to the team behind the Planica 2031 bid, acknowledging their extensive expertise, energy, and dedication. He particularly praised Majdič and Prevc for their compelling presentation, which showcased the values Planica represents. Both Planica and its competitor, Oberstdorf, which hosted the championships in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, must now await FIS's final decision. Steiner expressed confidence in Planica's bid, experience, and the lasting impact of the 2023 World Championships.

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Rad bi se iskreno zahvalil celotni ekipi, ki je v zadnjih mesecih vložila ogromno strokovnega znanja, energije in predanosti v pripravo kandidature Planica 2031. Storili smo vse, kar je bilo v naši moči, da članom predsedstva Fisa predstavimo najboljšo možno podobo Slovenije, Planice in nordijskega športa. Še posebej sem ponosen na današnjo predstavitev Petre Majdič in Petra Prevca, ki sta s svojo iskrenostjo, športno veličino in osebnimi zgodbami izjemno predstavila vrednote, ki jih Planica predstavlja.