President's Message Q1 2026

Dear ICF Family, 

As we step into 2026, I am proud to share with you the progress we have made in the first quarter of the year. This period has been marked by important initiatives, strategic decisions, and significant developments that continue to shape the future of our sport worldwide. 

Strengthening Olympic Partnership 

At the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, I had a very open and constructive meeting with IOC President Kirsty Coventry. Together with Richard, we presented our “Fit for Future” strategy, the concept of the World Paddle Games, and the progress of our governance review. We also discussed key topics concerning our athletes and the development of paddle sport. 

The feedback was very encouraging. I clearly felt strong support from the IOC and confidence in the position of paddle sport within the Olympic Movement. We agreed to further strengthen our close partnership to better serve our athletes and continue growing our sport. 

Brisbane 2032 

In January, I travelled to Australia to meet with the Brisbane 2032 organisers and promote our Olympic disciplines. Together with Paddle Australia and local partners, I visited the planned competition venue in Rockhampton as we continue to work with all stakeholders through the feasibility process. 

I also had a very positive discussion with the Mayor of Redland about the sustainable use of the planned slalom course and its benefits for the town and its citizens. The mayor expressed full support, and funding has now been approved by the state of Queensland. In addition, the meeting with the Mayor of Gold Coast Tom Tate, which has applied together with the City of Redland to host the first World Paddle Games, confirmed their commitment to invest in sports facilities, especially on an already usable flatwater course in the City Gold Coast. We agreed to continue detailed discussions on organisation and financing. 

Organisational Review 

Following our ExCo meeting in Budapest last November, I engaged in extensive discussions with NF stakeholders, all continental Presidents, and our Steering Committee regarding 28 governance reform proposals. 

In January, we held online town hall meetings with representatives from over 100 NFs. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved for their tremendous commitment to these discussions, and to my colleagues in the Steering Committee, Cecilia and Lluis, for their dedication  

All feedback was carefully considered and incorporated into the Steering Committee's proposals. From the beginning, I have emphasized the importance of respecting the diverse opinions and cultures of our 172 associations, ensuring all proposals reflect the principles of good governance. The final document will be submitted to Congress in July for voting, after BoD approval.

Multi-Sport Events 

Aligned with our Fit for Future strategy, I continued promoting the inclusion of canoeing disciplines in multi-sport events. Negotiations with the Islamic Games organisation are progressing following my participation in Riyadh. 

During my visit to the ACC Board meeting in Delhi, I met with the Indian Minister of Sport alongside the ACC President and Board. Discussions focused on two whitewater projects in India and the inclusion of canoeing in the Commonwealth Games programme. 

Meanwhile, we officially submitted our application for Dragon Boat as an additional discipline to the Mayor of Karlsruhe, host city of the next edition of The World Games. These discussions aim to raise the global profile of our sports and create new opportunities worldwide. 

145th IOC Session and Winter Olympic Games 

The session focused on the upcoming Olympic Games, though details on the IOC’s Fit for Future strategy were limited. Key decisions are set to be unveiled on June 22, at the celebrations of the Olympic Day. 

LA28 presented its preparations, emphasizing financial management and the need to generate profits. While no concrete statements were made regarding test events, my participation in ceremonies and competitions provided valuable insights into professional sports presentation. 

I also held numerous discussions with IOC members, including a review of the IOC reform strategy with Karl Stoss and conversations with Brisbane 32 leadership.  

ICF Women’s Symposium Webinar 

In Lausanne, just before International Women’s Day, I joined the second edition of the ICF Women’s Symposium webinar, which attracted over 300 participants from around the world. Presentations were excellent, highlighting the progress we have made in strengthening the role of women in canoeing. 

We remain committed to building an inclusive sport where women and girls have equal opportunities to participate, compete, and lead. Special thanks to our Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias and to the incredible women who strengthen our global canoeing community every day. 

Visit to Azerbaijan 

Due to geopolitical complications, the planned March BoD meeting in Baku was cancelled. However, I travelled to attend pre-arranged meetings with top officials. Exchanges with Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov confirmed strong national commitment to our sport, including support for a new Canoe Slalom venue and a willingness to host future ICF competitions. 

Hangzhou Super Cup 

From September 30 to October 3, we will host the second edition of the Hangzhou Super Cup. During my recent visit, together with CCA and the Hangzhou Sports Bureau, we clarified the responsibilities of each party and outlined the budget. 

This year, the Dragon Boat World Championships will also take place in Hangzhou, with the Dragon Boat World Cup preceding it from September 25 to 27 in Yuanling, China. Prize money will be attractive, and logistics costs in Yuanling for all teams will be covered. I encourage NFs to send teams to both events and enjoy the iconic views of these two cities during a single international trip. 

Other Visits and Meetings 

In Budapest, I joined the Canoe Sprint Committee and Paracanoe Committee meetings. Together with Committee members, we discussed preparations for the new season and future strategies for the sports, including potential programmes for future editions of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

In Delhi, I participated in the first Board meeting of the newly-elected ACC Board. Following a close election for the new ACC President, I emphasized the importance of finding and maintaining unity. We discussed the strategic plan presented by the ACC President for developing canoeing in Asia and agreed on key areas of focus. 

At the invitation of the President of the International Judo Federation, I attended the Grand Slam in Paris. The two days of packed halls with up to 18,000 spectators and professional presentation were very impressive, highlighting the need to continue attracting spectators to our events. 

At the invitation of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, I attended the ceremony marking the 130th anniversary of the NOC in Budapest and met many IOC members. Hungary is gaining momentum with its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

In Lausanne, at the end of March, I joined the Paddle Europe Board meeting and celebrated the opening of its new headquarters at the Olympic Capital. This move represents another major milestone in the evolution of European paddle sport governance. 

Office and Administration 

I visited our new offices in Budapest and Lausanne multiple times over the past few months. Recruitment is nearly complete. It is essential that our new staff quickly establish themselves and provide real support to stakeholders, committees, and NFs. All NFs should feel the benefits of our expanded human resources and the ICF’s professional positioning.

Finally, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our National Federations, athletes, partners, and everyone contributing to the success of canoeing worldwide. The first quarter of 2026 has already been remarkable, and together, we can build on this momentum for an exciting year of progress and innovation.

Yours sincerely, 

Thomas Konietzko, ICF President