Nairobi Secures 2029 World Athletics Championships Hosting Rights

Nairobi, Kenya, has been awarded the prestigious hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. This landmark decision, announced by World Athletics on Tuesday following a council meeting in Budapest, makes Nairobi the first African city ever to stage the global athletics spectacle.

The Kenyan capital’s successful bid follows a previous attempt for the 2025 championships, which were ultimately awarded to Tokyo. Nairobi has prior experience hosting major international junior athletics events, having successfully staged the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021.

Competitions are slated to be held at the Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe lauded Nairobi’s bid, describing it as “compelling and emotional.” He emphasized the historical significance of bringing the championships to Africa for the first time, highlighting Kenya’s deep-rooted connection to the sport. “Kenya is one of the great athletics nations. The sport is woven into the fabric of the country,” Coe stated.

Simultaneously, Munich, Germany, was confirmed as the host city for the 2031 World Athletics Championships. This will see the event return to Germany for the first time since Berlin hosted in 2009. Coe noted Germany’s consistent track record as an “outstanding and dependable host for major athletics events.”

Both the 2029 and 2031 championships, like the 2027 event in Beijing, are scheduled to take place in September.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/nairobi-to-host-2029-world-athletics-championships-5595922