Asian nations Tajikistan, Philippines and Chinese Taipei were among the countries to be represented on the world stage thanks to the support of the International Canoe Federation’s Talent Identification Programme.
Shahriyor Daminov, Muhammad Rajabov, Abdurasul Haitov, Komila Pirnazarova and Fridays Sharipov competed for Tajikistan at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships held from August 23 to 25 in fellow Central Asian country Uzbekistan.
Philippines was represented by two athletes Ojay Fuentes and Janus Ercilla, while Wei-jung Huang, Shu-Han Cai and Hsin-Tung Chiang competed for Chinese Taipei.
These paddlers were part of the ICF development camp that featured a sole South American participant in Venezuela’s Daniel Roman and refugee athlete Saman Soltani.
The camp was held alongside the World Championships as athletes got a chance to test themselves against the best on the planet.
It was the first time the ICF’s flagship event had been held in Asia with Uzbek city Samarkand playing host.
The camp was run by head TIP coach Alexandr Nikonorov with assistance from coaches Isaac Vila Santos and Marlene Roman La Tour.
Several athletes made it to the Final B, including Shariyor who reached that stage in both the men’s canoe single 200m and 500m.
“I enjoyed the experience as we saw the best athletes from these respective countries compete at the World Championships,” said Mr Nikonorov.
“The athletes are taking this competition seriously with determination and ambition.
“We are not talking about medals but the environment that was created was like a top team as they acted professionally throughout.
“Every athlete had different habits and understanding of routines so they learnt a lot.
“We gave individual advice and did some technical work so it was an enjoyable camp.
“Even if athletes did not make Final B, they did a good job in the selection of their home country.
“It was a special team. We have to continue to support these athletes.”
ICF Vice President Cecilia Farias said: “It was wonderful to see the World Championships held on Asian waters for the first time making it a truly historic event.
“What made it even more special was the participation of paddlers from our TIP camp as we continue to see the development of our sport in Asia and across the world.
“I hope that we will have more female paddlers participate in future TIP camp so I encourage National Federations to ensure gender equality with their entries for events.
“I look forward to returning to Central Asia for the judges' seminar in Turkestan in Kazakhstan which will also help the region.”
Dr Farias will speak at the Asian Canoe Confederation seminar that will be held from September 16 to 19.
A new Canoe Sprint course has been created in Turkestan in Kazakhstan where the seminar will take place.
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