Otepää is set to host the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup stage for the second time in history from March 12 to 15, 2026, at the Tehvandi Sports Centre. The organizing team reports that they are nearing the completion of their preparations, with the trails in excellent condition and temporary grandstands being constructed. This event will draw over 200 athletes and about 300 team members from 32 countries, with notable representation from Norway, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and France, alongside smaller teams like Denmark. The technical preparations for the World Cup stage are on schedule, just two weeks ahead of the competition.

The Tehvandi Sports Centre is well-equipped with sufficient snow coverage, ensuring that the trails will remain in great condition even if the winter abruptly ends. Additionally, some extra grandstands are already built, indicating the venue's readiness for the expected crowd. Approximately 100 million people are predicted to watch the event through television coverage, and organizers anticipate around 15,000 spectators to be present in Otepää over the weekend.

The chairman of the competition committee, Hillar Zahkna, expresses confidence that the World Cup stage will be a successful event, highlighting the significant interest it has generated. The community's involvement and readiness suggest a promising outlook for hosting this prestigious winter sports event, further establishing Otepää as a significant player in the biathlon world.