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India Bids to Host 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 10:57 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: INDONESIA, INDIA

New Delhi, Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 - India has formally entered the race to host the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships, marking a significant step in the nation's ambition to become a premier global sporting destination. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) officially submitted its bid to World Athletics earlier this week, continuing a trend of increased bids for major international sporting events.

The announcement, made public on January 17th, 2024, underscores India's evolving confidence in its capacity to manage and deliver world-class sporting competitions. AFI President Adille Sumariwalla expressed optimism, stating, "We are confident that India has the capabilities to host a world-class event." This sentiment reflects a concerted effort by Indian sporting bodies to leverage recent successes and demonstrate readiness on the international stage.

Building on Recent Successes and Future Commitments

India's bid for the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships arrives on the heels of several successful sporting events within the country. The Men's Hockey India Open in 2023 provided valuable experience in organizing high-profile tournaments, and the forthcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, scheduled for later in 2024, represents another crucial test of India's infrastructure and organizational capabilities. These events serve as key reference points for the AFI in showcasing their ability to meet the stringent requirements of World Athletics.

The World Indoor Athletics Championships, typically held in February or March, is a prestigious event featuring a comprehensive range of track and field disciplines. Securing the hosting rights would provide a powerful platform for promoting athletics within India, potentially inspiring a new generation of athletes and further boosting participation at all levels.

A Strategic Move to Elevate Athletics and Infrastructure

The timing of this bid is particularly noteworthy. India's athletics program has seen a surge in performance, largely driven by stars like Neeraj Chopra, whose consistent medal-winning performances on the global stage have captured national attention and provided a tangible return on investment in athlete development. Hosting the World Indoor Championships would amplify this momentum, drawing further international recognition and potentially stimulating increased investment in the sport.

Beyond the immediate impact on athletics, the successful hosting of such a large-scale event would significantly contribute to the development of India's sporting infrastructure. The country has been actively investing in upgrading existing facilities and constructing new ones to meet the demands of international competitions. This bid signals a long-term strategy of building a robust sporting ecosystem, capable of attracting a diverse range of events and enhancing the overall quality of athletic facilities across the nation. The legacy of improved infrastructure would extend far beyond the championships themselves, benefiting various other sports and communities.

India's Sporting Trajectory: A History of Hosting

India's pursuit of hosting the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships builds upon a proven track record. The country has previously successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, an event that presented significant logistical and organizational challenges, and the Cricket World Cup in 2011, demonstrating its capacity to handle a massive, globally-watched competition. While these events presented their own unique sets of challenges, the experience gained has undoubtedly contributed to India's growing confidence and preparedness.

The bid also reflects a broader national ambition. India is increasingly positioning itself not just as a participant in global sport, but as a central hub and host. Securing the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships would be a significant milestone in this journey, solidifying India's place as a key player in the international sporting landscape and enhancing its global image.