Japan to mark International Biathlon Day 2026 with Festival and Laser Biathlon Cup in Sapporo

Japan will celebrate International Biathlon Day 2026 with the “Biathlon Festival 2026 × Laser Biathlon Japan Cup 2026 in Sapporo”, set to take place on 31 May at the iconic Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Running from approximately 09:00 to 12:30, the event will combine competition, athlete interaction and introductory activities aimed at promoting biathlon among children, young people, families and first-time participants in a fun and accessible setting.

The day’s programme will begin with registration and reception activities from 08:30, followed by the official opening ceremony at 09:00. Between 09:20 and 10:20, participants will have the opportunity to train and practise alongside members of the Japanese national biathlon team ahead of the official competitions.

The centrepiece of the event, the “Laser Biathlon Japan Cup”, will feature running biathlon races across a range of age categories for boys, girls, women and men. Younger competitors will complete shorter running loops combined with prone shooting at larger targets, while older participants will tackle longer courses featuring both prone and standing shooting stages.

The competition format will include:

• Running loops of 200m and 400m, depending on age category

• Laser rifle shooting in prone and standing positions

• Separate race categories for youth and adult competitors

Official races are scheduled to take place from approximately 10:30 until 12:00, with the closing ceremony beginning at 12:15.

Alongside the races, visitors will also be able to take part in a dedicated “Try-It Zone”, open from 09:30 to 12:00. The area will offer beginners and spectators the chance to experience laser rifle shooting and learn the fundamentals of biathlon in a safe and welcoming environment.

Through the festival, organisers hope to raise awareness of biathlon in Japan, inspire the next generation of athletes, and strengthen connections between elite competitors, aspiring participants and local communities as part of the worldwide celebration of International Biathlon Day.