The International Kayaking and Canoeing Federation has given the highest rating to the venue of the World Rowing and Canoeing Championships in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) after checking the facility. Uzbekistan is preparing to host the ICF flagship event for the first time, the races will be held from August 23 to 25. Balint Vekassi, ICF's Chief Events Director, visited the rowing canal in Samarkand on January 22 and 23, where he met with Uzbek officials to discuss preparations for the competition. Accommodation, meals, venue design, and entry visas were the main topics discussed during the two-day visit. "The venue is great and the whole setting is very good. It was a very positive visit. They really want to succeed, so they put their whole soul into it. I stressed that the first impression is extremely important. It's their time to prove themselves." Mr. Vekassi said. The World Championships will include non-Olympic distances and will be held two weeks after the races at the Olympic Games in Paris. Toshi Furuya, chairman of the ICF Rowing and Canoeing Committee, said he was looking forward to the World Championships in Samarkand. "Uzbekistan offers fantastic conditions that will provide our athletes with an excellent platform to demonstrate their best results. It is an exciting time for Uzbekistan to host the World Cup right after the Olympic Games in Paris, and I am sure that they will hold great competitions." said Mr. Furuya, who visited this place last April.