News

Vanja Udovičić, Serbian minister of Youth and Sports, was a professional water polo player, so it was not a surprise he decided to observe the training of the best Serbian canoe sprint paddlers from the water. He also met the new team director dr Pavle Jovanov who took over the team before this season.

 

“I am glad kayakers returned to full training. While talking with them I heard they had abnormal amount of basic training this year, something modern sport is not used to it. My wish is to talk with all the athletes to see what conditions they have and equipment, from nutrition to the most important things such as boats, paddles and gyms,” minister said.

 

As a former sportsman himself he pointed out he never experienced such a  long break in training process which was caused this year by pandemic, “There is no general advice for the sportsmen. Some athletes will return to training easier than others. At the moment the biggest challenge is for coaches and team manager, who will have to ensure the safety and health for all athletes with education, monitoring the situation and circumstances.”

 

During his visit he also expressed a wish for Belgrade to host European Championships again. “Maybe we will apply for European Championships in 2022. Tendency is to organise as many international competitions as possible, so our athletes can achieve the best possible results in their cities and country.  I am convinced we can again organise excellent European Championships like two years ago. We have showed we are great hosts, so we are confident to apply again,” concluded Udovičić.