The event will see the athletes from 37 countries compete in 16 competitions ranging from 3x6 kilometre relays to 12.5km individual races in both male and female categories.

Several Olympic medallists, including current Olympic champion Hanna Oeberg of Sweden and Norway's Ole Einar Björndalen, the second-most decorated winter Olympian with 13 medals to his name, have won IBU Youth/Junior World Championship titles in their careers.

In addition to these Olympic medallists, several IBU World Championship winners have competed at past Championships, including Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier and Michal Slesingr of the Czech Republic.

The number one ranking in the overall medals table for the upcoming IBU Youth/Junior World Championships is likely to either go to Russia or Norway, neither of whom have finished outside the top three since 2010.

This will be the first time that Estonia has hosted the competition and the country's President Kersti Kaljulaid is expected to be among those in attendance.

Estonian Biathlon Federation President Aivar Nigoli expressed his delight at President Kaljulaid’s upcoming appearance.

"We are sincerely glad that Mrs Kersti Kaljulaid has found time to visit Otepää," he said.

"Knowing that the President is residing locally will definitely give our young athletes even more willingness and determination to do their best.

"We are honoured to host the President this winter in the biggest international championship in Estonia."

She is, however, unlikely to witness any major home success as Estonia have not made the top 12 of the medals table since the 2013 competition in Obertilliach in Austria.