The International Biathlon Union has announced the results of the 2025/26 call for applications for the Biathlon 4 All project

Throughout October 2025, National Federations of the International Biathlon Union were invited to propose concepts for developing biathlon through Biathlon 4 All activities. Out of the 24 National Federations that applied, 17 have been selected to receive equipment and promotional support in order to achieve the goals of the Biathlon 4 All initiative.

Eight National Federations will receive their laser rifle sets in autumn/winter 2025, while the remaining nine will receive their equipment in May 2026.

A wide variety of activities were proposed for use with laser rifles, from running try-out sessions to substantial competitions.

Great Britain plans to double its fleet of laser rifles to enable inclusion and accelerate athlete development by reducing barriers to entry and expanding the reach of the Biathlon Series.

Ukraine aims to expand the project by acquiring an additional ten rifles. This expansion will enable the federation to reach more communities, increase training opportunities and engage three new regions: Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Lutsk, where biathlon is still in its early stages of development. The goal is to create a sustainable biathlon ecosystem that provides access to safe, modern and eco-friendly equipment for children and young people in schools.

France has joined the project for the first time. Although biathlon enjoys exceptional media exposure, the federation reports that it remains a sport practised by relatively few people within its club structures, with a very small number of active licence holders. The new Biathlon Running series is fully aligned with the federation’s strategic ambition to increase participation in "off-snow" activities throughout the year.

The United States of America wishes to begin holding laser biathlon competitions across the country under the name Laser Biathlon Challenge. The aim is to have race kits in all regions, so that the competition can reach every part of their vast nation and maximise the number of young American skiers who can compete for prizes and take part in raffles at the end of the season.

The full list of selected National Federations for the 2025/26 call for applications can be found here.

The IBU congratulates the selected projects and wishes them all the best in implementing the Biathlon 4 All activities. All National Federations are encouraged to stay tuned for the opening of the new call for applications in spring 2026.