India is set to make a strong push to host the World Athletics Championships in either 2029 or 2031, signaling the nation's growing ambition in the global sporting arena. According to Adille Sumariwalla, a spokesperson for the national federation, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will strategically bid for both editions when the process commences later this year. The goal is to secure the hosting rights for at least one of these prestigious events.
World Athletics, the sport's governing body, is scheduled to announce the hosts for both the 2029 and 2031 championships in September 2026. The deadline for member countries to express their interest is fast approaching on October 1, 2025. Interested countries will then need to submit their final bid applications by August 5, 2026, before the World Athletics Council makes its decision.
India's decision to bid for these events aligns with its broader strategy to host a series of high-profile sporting competitions, with the ultimate goal of bidding for the 2036 Olympics. This ambition reflects the country's increasing focus on sports development and its desire to establish itself as a major player in the international sporting landscape.
Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, has expressed that his organization awaits India's bid for the 2029 World Championships with interest. However, he also indicated that there will be significant competition from other countries vying for the hosting rights. Kenya and Britain have also expressed interest in hosting the 2029 World Championships.
Recognizing the importance of sports, the Indian government has substantially increased the sports ministry's budget by 130.9%, from ₹1,643 crore in 2014-15 to ₹3,794 crore for 2025-26. A key initiative in this transformation is the Khelo India program, which was launched in 2018. With a budget of ₹1,000 crore, the program has supported the establishment of over 1,000 training centers, approved 326 infrastructure projects, and provided coaching and financial assistance to nearly 2,845 athletes.
To further enhance its chances of winning the bid, India needs to continue improving its sports infrastructure. While India has approximately 100 sports venues that meet international standards, there is a growing demand for advanced facilities to accommodate the increasing interest in various sports, including athletics. Investments in stadiums, training facilities, and sports complexes are crucial to providing athletes with the necessary resources to excel. The government is promoting the construction of multi-purpose sports complexes, eco-friendly stadiums, and high-performance training facilities.
In addition to infrastructure development, it is essential to address the challenges related to the maintenance of existing facilities. Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure that the facilities remain in optimal condition and are accessible to athletes and the public. Public-private partnerships can play a significant role in expanding sports infrastructure and improving accessibility.
The bidding process for the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships is now officially open. World Athletics invites member federations and host institution stakeholders to participate in its observer program at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 in September. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into event hosting and engage with World Athletics and LOC staff.
