Gujarat is advancing in its efforts to host two significant international athletics events as a World Athletics delegation of five members begins evaluating the state’s sports infrastructure. The assessment visit is crucial for the potential hosting of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2028 and the World Athletics Championships in 2031. The delegation, led by Antti Pihlakoski, started their evaluation by meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in Gandhinagar.
The visit, taking place on June 22 and 23, focuses on examining Gujarat’s sports infrastructure and related facilities as part of the evaluation process for hosting the two international athletics events. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed confidence that the delegation’s inspection would showcase Gujarat’s readiness and sporting culture. He emphasized the state government’s optimism in securing the hosting rights for the World Athletics Championships in 2031 and its commitment to ensuring a successful event.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted Gujarat’s preparations to host world-class sporting events, including the World Police and Fire Games and the Commonwealth Games 2030. He mentioned the rapid development of infrastructure at key venues like the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, Narendra Modi Stadium, and Karai Academy to support international sporting competitions. The assessment by World Athletics aims to determine Gujarat’s suitability as a host for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2028 and the senior World Athletics Championships in 2031.
The delegation’s visit includes inspections of sports infrastructure and facilities across the state. Officials present at the meeting included Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; Vala, Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat; Adille Sumariwalla, Vice-President of World Athletics, and other associated officials.
