Kesla becomes main partner of Finnish biathlete Inka Hämäläinen

Finnish forest technology company Kesla Plc has announced a partnership with biathlete Inka Hämäläinen. The Joensuu-based company will serve as the main partner of the young athlete from Kontiolahti as she pursues success at the highest international level.

Finnish biathlete Inka Hämäläinen and Kesla CEO Pasi Nieminen standing in front of Kesla forestry cranes. — Kesla Plc has become the main partner of Finnish biathlete Inka Hämäläinen. Pictured are Hämäläinen and Kesla CEO Pasi Nieminen.

Hämäläinen is among Finland's promising young biathletes. Last season, she won two medals at the Junior World Championships and represented Finland at the Olympic Games.

According to Kesla, the partnership brings together their strong North Karelian roots and shared values, including long-term commitment, ambition and continuous development.

"Despite her young age, Inka has already proven that she belongs among the athletes competing at the highest international level. Her achievements, work ethic and ambition are truly impressive. We see in her many of the same qualities that we value at Kesla: commitment, continuous development and the courage to pursue world-class performance in a highly competitive environment," says Pasi Nieminen, CEO of Kesla Plc.

Founded in Joensuu in 1960, Kesla has grown into an international industrial technology company whose products are used around the world. For Hämäläinen, their shared North Karelian background is an important aspect of the partnership.

"North Karelia is my home and the place that has provided a strong foundation for pursuing my goals. It is inspiring to work with a company that has deep roots in the region while also operating internationally. We share a belief in long-term commitment: success is not built overnight, but step by step, every single day," says Hämäläinen.

Finnish biathlete Inka Hämäläinen sitting inside the cabin of a Kesla forestry machine. — Inka Hämäläinen aims to complete the full World Cup programme during the 2026–2027 season, with the World Championships in Otepää as her main target.

Full World Cup season in sight

For the 2026–2027 season, Hämäläinen aims to complete the full IBU World Cup programme. Her goal is to gain experience at the highest international level while further developing her endurance and race routine.

Her main target for the season is the IBU World Championships, scheduled to take place in Otepää, Estonia, in February 2027.

The partnership between Kesla and Hämäläinen will be visible throughout the coming season on social media, at events and through joint content productions.

The first collaboration video, entitled From North Karelia to the World, introduces the background of the partnership and the shared values behind it.