Introduction
India has announced its plan to host the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships. The decision, shared by Adille Sumariwalla—Vice-President of World Athletics and President of the Athletics Federation of India—was made public on July 6, 2025, in Bengaluru.
This bid is part of India’s effort to host the 2036 Olympics. It also signals India’s growing role in international sports and its focus on building the infrastructure needed for large events.
📑 Table of Contents
- India’s Ambition to Host Global Sporting Events
- Strategic Bid for the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships
- Why 2031 May Offer a Stronger Opportunity
- India’s Broader Athletic Vision: Junior and Relay Championships
- Key Dates and Bidding Timeline
- Roadmap to India’s Olympic Dream: 2036 and Beyond
- FAQs: India’s Bid for the World Athletics Championships
- Related Links & Resources
- Conclusion: India’s Sporting Future on the Global Stage
- Key Takeaways Table
India’s Ambition to Host Global Sporting Events
India no longer limits itself to cricket or local leagues. With a track record that includes the Commonwealth Games, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the Asian Athletics Championships, India now seeks a global track and field event: the World Athletics Championships.
The bid is part of a broader push to raise India’s sports profile and prepare for a formal Olympic bid in 2036.
Strategic Bid for the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships
India will submit bids for both 2029 and 2031. World Athletics will pick hosts for both events in September 2026.
Sumariwalla has described India’s bid as flexible. The proposal includes plans for venues, logistics, and national outreach to promote the sport. India wants to show it can manage any year World Athletics considers best.
Why 2031 May Offer a Stronger Opportunity
India first focused on 2029. But with Tokyo set to host in 2025 and Beijing in 2027, three events in Asia in a row may not appeal to World Athletics.
By adding 2031 to its plan, India avoids that concern. This change gives India more time to prepare and aligns with global event rotation practices.
India’s Broader Athletic Vision: Junior and Relay Championships
India is also bidding for the 2028 World Athletics U20 Championships. A decision on that bid is expected in December 2025. The plan was first discussed during Sebastian Coe’s visit to India in late 2024.
India will also bid for the World Athletics Relays after the 2026 and 2028 editions in Botswana and the Bahamas. These efforts aim to build regular hosting experience.
Key Dates and Bidding Timeline
- October 1, 2025: Deadline to express interest
- April 1, 2026: Full bid applications due
- August 5, 2026: Final bid submission
- September 2026: Host cities announced
🛤️ Roadmap to India’s Olympic Dream: 2036 and Beyond
India’s sports plan supports its Olympic bid. Hosting the World Athletics Championships would help prove India’s capacity to manage global events.
This roadmap includes:
- Infrastructure: More stadiums and training centers
- Policy: Government support and international cooperation
- Youth Programs: More events like the Khelo India Games
- Brand Building: A global image as a trusted host
If India secures either 2029 or 2031, it strengthens its case for 2036.
❓ FAQs: India’s Bid for the World Athletics Championships
- Why is India bidding for 2029 and 2031?
To build momentum for its 2036 Olympic bid and boost interest in athletics nationwide. - Which year is more likely—2029 or 2031?
2031 is more realistic, as 2025 and 2027 are already hosted by Asian cities. - Who is leading the bid?
Adille Sumariwalla, head of AFI and Vice-President at World Athletics. - What other events is India bidding for?
India is also bidding for:- 2028 U20 Championships
- Post-2028 World Relays
- 2036 Olympics
- When will World Athletics announce the hosts?
In September 2026, after reviewing all final bids.
🔗 Related Links & Resources
🔚 Conclusion: India’s Sporting Future on the Global Stage
India’s bid for the World Athletics Championships is more than a plan. It is part of a long-term vision. Backed by the AFI and led by Sumariwalla, the move shows clear intent.
From junior events to relay meets to a possible Olympics, India is preparing for sustained global sports leadership. Hosting these events would raise the nation’s image and inspire more athletes and sports professionals.
India is not just hoping—it’s planning. The World Championships bid supports a clear Olympic roadmap.
👉 Follow every step of India’s journey at GK365.in.
Key Takeaways Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | India’s bid to host the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships |
| Announced By | Adille Sumariwalla – Vice-President, World Athletics & President, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) |
| Date of Announcement | July 6, 2025, Bengaluru |
| Strategic Importance | A key step in India’s roadmap toward hosting the 2036 Olympics |
| Preferred Year | Originally aimed for 2029, but now also bidding for 2031 due to Asia-heavy rotation in 2025 (Tokyo) and 2027 (Beijing) |
| Bidding Timeline | – Oct 1, 2025: Expression of interest- April 1, 2026: Bid submission- Aug 5, 2026: Final proposal- Sept 2026: Host city announcement |
| Supporting Events | – Bidding for 2028 World Athletics U20 Championships– Plans to host post-2028 World Relays |
| Olympic Roadmap (2036) | Infrastructure, policy support, youth talent programs, and global image building to support India’s Olympic aspirations |
| Past Hosting Experience | Commonwealth Games, FIFA U-17 World Cup, Asian Athletics Championships |
| Vision for Global Role | Build reputation as a global host, increase youth participation, and boost India’s track & field ecosystem |
| Competitive Advantage | Flexible, well-backed proposal with multi-year hosting intent and proven government and private sector interest |
| Likely Outcome | 2031 is more realistic, giving India time to build capacity and align with global hosting patterns |