Lithuania continues to support Ukrainian athletes with training and competition opportunities

Lithuanian sports organizations are maintaining their support for Ukrainian athletes, providing training facilities and hosting competitions as the country prepares for major events, according to a statement from the National Sports Agency (NSA).

The state has been compensating sports organizations for expenses related to assisting Ukrainian athletes for five years. The NSA has allocated nearly €100,000 to six sports federations to cover costs incurred or expected while hosting Ukrainian teams in Lithuania. This includes expenses for training camps, competitions, accommodation, transport, and medical support for athletes and their staff.

The Lithuanian Kiokushin Karate Federation has long collaborated with Ukrainian athletes, with joint training gaining greater significance since the war began. In early March, the Lithuanian and Ukrainian national teams trained together in Druskininkai ahead of the European Championships.

“Every Lithuanian’s mission is to help Ukraine. Our federation, clubs, and individuals are all contributing. We have excellent relations with Ukrainian coaches and teams. They are leaders in our sport, just like us. Ukrainian athletes come to Druskininkai and train with our national team for 7–10 days,” said Romas Vitkauskas, honorary president of the Lithuanian Kiokushin Karate Federation.

The joint training paid off at the European Championships in Batumi, where Lithuania won 13 medals to top the team standings, while Ukraine secured 9 medals and fourth place.

Lithuania is also supporting young Ukrainian modern pentathletes. Around 30 members of the Ukrainian delegation are attending the ongoing World Youth and Junior Modern Pentathlon Championships in Kaunas. The Lithuanian Modern Pentathlon Federation covered their accommodation, meals, and transport costs, as Ukraine prioritizes funding for senior teams.

“The decision was natural because we have cooperated with Ukrainians for many years. They like Lithuania and feel safe here. We have good sports facilities and organize high-level competitions. This isn’t a one-time collaboration—Ukrainian athletes often come to train in Lithuania, and we work together regularly,” said Justinas Kinderis, president of the Lithuanian Modern Pentathlon Federation.

State budget funds have been allocated as follows: nearly €25,000 to the Lithuanian Modern Pentathlon Federation, €21,500 to the Lithuanian Wrestling Federation, nearly €19,000 to the Lithuanian Orienteering Federation, over €12,000 to the Lithuanian Athletics Federation, over €13,000 to the Lithuanian Softball Federation, and €8,000 to the Lithuanian Kiokushin Karate Federation. Contracts with these federations will be signed soon, and funds will be transferred.