site.btaNearly 400 Rowers from 22 Countries to Compete at World Rowing Cup in Plovdiv

Nearly 400 rowers from 22 countries will compete in the second round of the 2026 World Rowing Cup event in Plovdiv from June 12 to 14, members of the organizing committee announced at a press conference held at the city's rowing venue.

The briefing was attended by organizing committee chair Ivan Popov, Plovdiv Deputy Mayor for Sports and Youth Activities Nikolay Bukhalov (Olympic canoe champion), Bulgarian Rowing Federation President Svilen Neykov, and competition director Nikola Gospodarski.

The competition will be attended by World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland and Executive Director Vincent Gaillard.

Popov said preparations for the event had proceeded smoothly, although he noted that the Indian team was still awaiting the issuance of visas.

Neykov used the occasion to call for additional financial support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, arguing that current funding levels are insufficient.

"We expected greater support from the Sports Ministry. In an interview yesterday, the minister noted that many federations criticize the ministry. We have always been grateful for the support we receive, but what we currently have is not enough. We are expecting additional funding because the costs are enormous. The racing lanes are exposed to weather conditions and deteriorate over time. At the moment, we do not have any medical coverage in place. We need financial support and hope for a swift solution, as the competition begins on Friday," Neykov said.

He added that the rowing venue is exceptionally expensive to maintain.

"The infrastructure is unique and extremely costly. After a stadium, it is probably the most expensive sports facility to maintain. Conditions for a competition of this level are crucial if athletes are to perform at their best. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure participants feel comfortable and can compete under optimal conditions," he said.

Bulgaria will be represented by two crews in the men's double sculls event. The boats will feature Valentin Andonov and Mario Neykov, and Hristo Neshev and Iliyan Stoilov.

"The athletes competing this year are young rowers. We hope that next year we will be able to build a crew capable of qualifying for the Olympic Games. At present, these are Bulgaria's most competitive athletes among the senior men and women," Neykov said.

Bukhalov stressed that hosting another event of this calibre would strengthen Plovdiv's bid to become European Capital of Sport in 2028.

"Plovdiv has always been ready to host major sporting events. This is yet another high-profile competition at the Rowing Canal. The city's hotel capacity is sufficient to accommodate both participants and visitors. Every event of this kind contributes to our application for the title of European Capital of Sport 2028, and I believe we are making good progress in that direction," the two-time Olympic champion said.

Commenting on the lack of prominent Bulgarian rowers at senior level, Bukhalov said rowing demands exceptional dedication and perseverance.

"Rowing is a demanding sport. It requires commitment and consistency. Many young people take up the sport, but when greater sacrifices become necessary, some choose to quit. We are seeing strong interest in recreational sport, but elite sport requires tremendous willpower and persistence. That is the only way to achieve top results," he said.

Gospodarski described Plovdiv's rowing course as one of the finest in the world.

"I have seen all the major rowing venues around the globe, and very few can match the conditions here. Plovdiv probably has the best rowing course in the world. It offers the fairest racing conditions, with equal width and depth throughout the course and consistent wind conditions across all lanes," he said.

The organizing committee also recalled that the Plovdiv Rowing Canal will host the World Rowing Under-19 Championships from August 6 to 9.