Japan will serve as the final Olympic Ranking event in the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Sprint calendar to determine qualification for Los Angeles 2028 after it was awarded back-to-back World Cups in 2027.
The ICF Board of Directors have confirmed today that the Asian nation will stage two pivotal events at the climax of the Olympic qualification period.
With the Olympic Ranking window closing on December 31, 2027, the spotlight will fall firmly on Japan for a dramatic conclusion to the race for LA28.
Komatsu, located in the southwestern prefecture of Ishikawa, will hold the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup from September 16 to 18 in 2027.
Just days later, attention will shift to the capital, Tokyo, which will play host to the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup from September 23 to 26 in 2027.
The two events will represent the final opportunity for athletes to secure crucial ranking points in their pursuit of Canoe Sprint quota places for their nation.
In Tokyo, Paralympic Ranking points will also be on offer.
Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the sacred Mount Hakusan, Komatsu combines natural beauty with a proven track record in international sport.
Komatsu last staged an ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup in 2002 and was the host of the 2003 ICF Junior Canoe Sprint World Championships.
Since then, it has held multiple continental qualifiers for Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tokyo’s Sea Forest Waterway will be the venue for the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup.
The staging of the event will underline the legacy of the course that hosted Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe competition during Tokyo 2020.
Toshi Furuya, Chair of the ICF Canoe Sprint Committee, said: “I am thrilled to take two of our World Cups to Japan in 2027.
“Komatsu is a fantastic location that has strong experience of holding big ICF events, such as the Junior World Championships in 2003, while Tokyo will bring back special memories from the Olympic Games.
“With crucial Olympic ranking points at stake, these events promise to deliver an exceptionally high level of competition and intensity.”
John Edwards, Chair of the ICF Paracanoe Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to stage our World Cup in Tokyo, reinforcing the lasting legacy of the Paralympic Games.
“Many of our paddlers competed here in 2021, and returning to the Sea Forest Waterway will bring added motivation as they set their sights on LA28.”
Kazuki Tamura, Competition Manager for the Host Organising Committee in Komatsu and Tokyo, said: “We are honoured to host two ICF World Cup events in Japan.
“The Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 were unfortunately held without spectators.
“Two World Cups next year represent an important opportunity to bring the excitement of sport back to fans and to further highlight canoe sport in Japan.
“With recent changes to the Olympic qualification system, these events will play an important role in the lead-up to the LA Olympic Games and are expected to attract global attention.
“We will work closely with our partners in Ishikawa, Komatsu, and Tokyo to ensure fair and smooth event delivery.”
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