Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre is the latest venue to be officially inaugurated. It will host the canoe slalom competitions at the Olympic Games. Constructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, it is the first manmade canoe slalom course in Japan.

The competition course is approximately 200 metres long; there is also a warm-up course and a finishing pool. Temporary seating will be available during the Games, allowing the Centre to host up to 7,500 spectators.

During the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, there will be six days of competitions in four events: Kayak (K-1) Men and Women as well as Canoe Single (C-1) Men and Women.
 

Canoe Slalom competitions consist of timed runs down a course containing around 20 gates, comprising two hanging poles, through which athletes must manoeuvre their boats without touching them. Several of the gates are positioned upstream, which requires a change of direction and demands considerable strength and skill to paddle against the swift current. The sport is consistently thrilling spectators with non-stop action on the unforgiving water.

"It has been very impressive watching the development of the Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre, and now we see a world-class venue which will host the planet's best paddlers at next year's Tokyo 2020 Olympics," commented International Canoe Federation President Jose Perurena.

"It is not just the slalom course which is incredible. The effort that has been made to ensure the best possible experience for spectators and media is also second-to-none, which will guarantee a memorable Games for all involved.

"On behalf of the International Canoe Federation, I congratulate all who have been part of the development of this fantastic venue. And I know I speak on behalf of the entire canoeing community when I say we cannot wait to showcase our sport at the Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre. It is sure to be one of our greatest Olympic venues ever."

The inauguration

An opening ceremony took place today with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and Japan Canoe Federation President Shoken Narita both attending.

Takuya Haneda, Rio 2016 canoe bronze medallist and the first Asian canoeist to win an Olympic medal, also attended together with other Japanese Olympians.

Canoe Slalom
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