Ammunition ad controversy hits Norwegian ski jumping scene

During the inauguration of the Ski Jumping World Cup in Lillehammer, Norwegian athletes appeared with the Nammo logo on their helmets. Nammo, or the Nordic Ammunition Company, is a Norwegian-Finnish company specializing in the production of ammunition and space solutions. The last letter of their logo contains the outline of a bullet, which sparked controversy.

Amnesty International criticized the decision to place the weapon manufacturer's logo on the jumpers' helmets. Frank Conde Tandberg, a political adviser for the organization, expressed his dissatisfaction on NRK television, emphasizing that during numerous armed conflicts in which Norwegian ammunition is used, such an action is "distasteful."

Halvor Egner Granerud, a Norwegian jumper who has worn the Nammo logo for years, sees no problem with it. He emphasizes that the company supports the Norwegian team, fulfilling Norway's obligations to NATO. Meanwhile, commentators from NRK believe that linking sports with weapon advertising is inappropriate and ignores current realities.

The Norwegian Ski Federation, after signing a new contract with Nammo, decided to place the logo on helmets, which had previously appeared on the jumpers' suits and jackets. This decision met with mixed reactions both domestically and internationally.

It's worth noting that Nammo has been a sponsor of the Norwegian team since 2010, and the current changes are due to a new contract. Despite the criticism, Norwegian jumpers continue their cooperation with the company, which supports them in technical and aerodynamic matters.

In the first competition of the season, German Pius Paschke stood on the highest podium. The next four places were taken by Austrians: Daniel Tschofenig, Maximilian Ortner, Stefan Kraft, and Jan Hoerl.