Chennai to host Asian Athletics Championships in 2029

According to a statement released by Asian Athletics on Tuesday, the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships will be hosted in Chennai. The competition will be held for both men and women, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai has been selected as the venue. However, this hosting will be confirmed provided that guarantee letters are submitted by the government.

According to the statement from the Asian Athletics Association, the body is pleased to award Chennai the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships upon receipt of guarantee letters from the Tamil Nadu government. With this, India will host this championship for the fourth time. Previously, India hosted the competition in New Delhi in 1989, Pune in 2013, and Bhubaneswar in 2017.

C. Latha, Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association (TNAA), stated that the competition is likely to be held in August. Latha, representing the TNAA and the state government at the Asian Athletics Federation Council meeting held in Tokyo, provided this information. She mentioned that an online presentation was given by J. Meghnath Reddy, Member Secretary of SDAT. This presentation placed special emphasis on the legacy of Nehru Stadium in hosting international competitions and the practice facilities available at the Nehru 'B' Ground.

Furthermore, during the presentation, it was highlighted that Chennai has international airport facilities and quality hotels are available near the stadium. C. Latha added that the state government will relay the main athletics track shortly under any circumstances.

C.K. Valson, a member of the Competition Commission of Asian Athletics, inspected the Nehru Stadium last week. According to reports, Valson was satisfied with the stadium's track and practice ground. C. Latha stated that while Valson was happy with the infrastructure, he suggested arranging a VIP lounge, making changes to the seating arrangements, and installing LED screens.

Now, it only remains for the Tamil Nadu state government to send a letter to the President of the Asian Athletics Federation confirming that the government will bear the entire cost of organizing the competition. Final confirmation of the event will follow the completion of this process.

According to a Sportstar report, India will also host other important competitions in the coming years. The Asian Relay Championships will be held in Chandigarh in 2027, the Asian Indoor Championships in Odisha in 2028, and the World Indoor Championships also in Odisha in 2028. Additionally, Gujarat is under consideration for hosting the Under-20 World Championships in 2028.