Biathlon

Biathlon has been developing in he Okrug since the middle of 70s. Its ancestor is a skier Valery Zakharov from Khanty-Mansiysk who served in the army in Novosibirk and started to go info biathlon. Then perspective sportsman came home and began to develop Ugra biathlon. Valery P. Zakharov has been heading the Okrug biathlon team, sportsmen of which represent the country at the competitions, including the Olympic games. At 2 Olympiads (Nagano-1998, Salt Lake city-2002) Viktor Maigurov was the bronze winner. Nikolai Kruglov participated in the Plypiad in Torine and was awarded the silver medal.

Much attention was paid to the development of the children and youth' biathlon. In 1978 a specialized biathlon school was opened in Khanty-Mansiysk, the branches of which were founded in 9 municipal entities. At the beginning of 90s it gained the title of Olympic reserve school. By lapse of time the departments became an independent educational institutions. The founded school of higher sports skills on winter sports in the Okrug managed the development and popularization of biathlon, ski racing.

Khanty-Mansiysk gained a right to be called the capital of world biathlon. In the middle of 90s modern Skiing Center was built on the bases of which international biathlon competitions have been held since 1997.

It has become a tradition among world biathlon elite to finish a sport season in Khanty-Mansiysk. Center is built firstly for the citizens of the Okrug. It operates all the year round. Present and future champions train on its courses and shooting-range.