In a bold move to elevate its global sporting profile, India has announced plans to submit a strategic bid for hosting either the 2029 or 2031 editions of the World Athletics Championships. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed the decision as part of a broader vision to position the country as a premier destination for international athletics, aligning with its long-term ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Key Highlights from the Bid Strategy
- India will submit expressions of interest for both the 2029 and 2031 editions, with the goal of securing at least one
- The World Athletics Council will announce the host cities for both editions simultaneously in September 2026
- The deadline for initial expressions of interest is October 1, 2025, followed by a preliminary bid submission by April 1, 2026, and final applications by August 5, 2026
- Adille Sumariwalla, vice-president of World Athletics and former AFI president, emphasized that India is open to hosting either edition
Why 2031 May Be More Realistic
- Asia is already set to host the 2025 and 2027 championships in Tokyo and Beijing respectively
- Awarding India the 2029 edition would mean three consecutive Asian hosts, which may be unlikely
- Strategically, India may have a stronger chance of securing the 2031 edition, allowing for geographic rotation
Broader Hosting Ambitions
- India has also submitted an expression of interest for the 2028 World Athletics U20 Championships
- The AFI is exploring bids for future editions of the World Athletics Relays, with the 2026 and 2028 editions already awarded to Botswana and the Bahamas respectively
- These efforts are part of a larger campaign to build hosting credentials ahead of a potential 2036 Olympic bid
Recent Momentum in Indian Athletics
- The announcement was made during the inaugural NC Classic international javelin event in Bengaluru, where Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra clinched victory
- India’s growing presence in global athletics, both in performance and administration, is seen as a catalyst for its hosting aspirations
- The AFI has been actively engaging with World Athletics leadership, including during WA President Sebastian Coe’s visit to India in late 2024
Looking Ahead
- If successful, hosting the World Championships would mark a historic first for India and significantly boost infrastructure, tourism, and grassroots sports development
- The bid process will require detailed planning, government backing, and international lobbying over the next 12–14 months
- A successful bid could also serve as a springboard for India’s Olympic ambitions, showcasing its readiness to host mega sporting events
Sources: The Hindu, News18, Rediff, Business Standard, Devdiscourse, PTI, MSN India
