Dear Athletes,
Dear Guests,
Dear Friends of Canoe Polo,
Here in Duisburg, a city of sport, water sports have a very special place. The regatta course in Wedau has hosted major international competitions, athletes train here every day, and sport brings together people from Duisburg and far beyond.
I am therefore all the more delighted that Duisburg will host the largest Canoe Polo World Championships to date in 2026. More than 700 athletes from 25 nations are expected to come to our city. For several days, the regatta course will become a meeting place for the world’s canoe polo elite.
Anyone who has experienced canoe polo live knows what defines this sport: speed, strength and precision, but above all, team spirit. In their kayaks, paddles in hand and the ball in play, the players have to work together as a team. Decisions are made in a matter of seconds. That is precisely what makes canoe polo so dynamic and exciting.
The fact that Germany ranks among the world’s best in this demanding sport makes hosting the World Championships on home soil all the more special. The German men enter the tournament as reigning world champions and winners of the 2025 World Games. The German women’s national team is also among the world’s elite and won gold at the 2025 World Games. I am certain that, competing in front of a home crowd, both teams will do everything they can to build on these successes.
A World Championship of this scale would not be possible without the many people working behind the scenes. I would therefore like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and volunteers whose dedication and commitment make these World Championships possible.
I wish all the athletes fair and exciting competitions and every success, and I hope our international guests have a wonderful time with us here in Duisburg.
Kind regards,
Bärbel Bas
