Zagreb to host largest ever European Gymnastics Championships in August 2026

ZAGREB, 26 May 2026 (Hina) – Zagreb will host the largest European Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships in history this August, organisers announced on Monday.

The event, which will take place at Arena Zagreb from 13 to 23 August, will also be the first time that senior and junior European Championships are held simultaneously in the same city.

A total of 670 gymnasts from 44 countries are set to compete, marking a record number of participants for the competition. Organisers expect almost 2,000 accredited attendees, including athletes, coaches, judges, medical teams, officials, volunteers and members of the organising committee.

Speaking at a press conference, Marijo Možnik, president of the Croatian Gymnastics Federation and head of the organising committee for Zagreb 2026, said the championships would have a significant sporting, tourism and economic impact on both Zagreb and Croatia.

According to organisers, the event is expected to generate around 10,000 overnight stays in Zagreb from official delegations alone, with a similar number anticipated from fans, families and visitors travelling to the Croatian capital during the championships.

Možnik said the event represented an opportunity for Croatia to demonstrate its organisational capabilities, promote Zagreb internationally and leave a lasting legacy for Croatian gymnastics and sport.

He also thanked the Croatian Government, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the City of Zagreb, sponsors and partners for supporting the project.

Several Croatian national team members also spoke about their preparations and expectations ahead of competing on home soil.

Illia Kovtun, the Ukrainian-born gymnast who received Croatian citizenship last year, described the championships as particularly important as it will mark his first appearance for Croatia after a lengthy break from competition. Kovtun is a multiple European champion as well as an Olympic and world silver medallist.

Veteran Croatian gymnast Filip Ude revealed he had postponed shoulder surgery in order to compete in Zagreb, saying he may never again have the chance to perform at a major competition in front of a home crowd.

Croatian gymnast Tijana Korent said competing in front of domestic fans would provide additional motivation as she aims to reach the final. Korent made history in 2013 by becoming the first Croatian woman to reach a European apparatus final.

Strong support for the championships has also come from the Croatian Government, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and the City of Zagreb.

Marko Bošnjak, deputy head for sport development and promotion at the City of Zagreb’s Office for Education, Sport and Youth, described the event as the biggest gymnastics competition held in Zagreb in the past 40 years.

He added that the championships would provide inspiration for young athletes while also delivering important tourism benefits for the city and Croatia as a whole.