Gandhinagar: A five-member delegation from World Athletics visited Gujarat to evaluate the state’s sports infrastructure as part of its inspection for the proposed World Athletics Championships 2031 and World Athletics U20 Championships 2028.
The visit, led by Bid Evaluation Panel Chairman Mr. Antti Pihlakoski, took place over two days on June 22 and 23, during which the delegation reviewed key sports facilities and preparedness across the state.
High-Level Meeting Held in Gandhinagar
The delegation began its visit with a meeting in Gandhinagar with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harsh Sanghavi.
During the interaction, Chief Minister Patel expressed confidence that Gujarat would provide a world-class experience and demonstrate strong readiness to host global athletics events. He stated that preparations have been accelerated to support the bid for hosting the 2031 championships.
Gujarat Showcases Readiness for Global Sporting Events
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted that Gujarat is fully prepared to host major international sporting events. He noted that infrastructure development is underway at several key venues, including:
- Veer Savarkar Sports Complex
- Sardar Patel Sports Enclave
- Narendra Modi Stadium
- Karai Police Academy
He also mentioned Gujarat’s readiness for upcoming global events such as the Commonwealth Games 2030 and World Police and Fire Games.
Inspection of Sports Infrastructure and Facilities
The World Athletics delegation is conducting a detailed assessment of Gujarat’s sports ecosystem, including stadium infrastructure, training facilities, and event management capabilities.
The inspection aims to evaluate whether the state meets international standards required to host major athletics championships.
Key Officials and Dignitaries Present
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including:
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar
- Director General of Sports Authority of Gujarat Vala
- World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla
- Other senior representatives from the sports administration
Their presence highlighted the importance of Gujarat’s bid on both national and international platforms.
Gujarat’s Bid for Major International Championships
Gujarat is positioning itself as a strong contender for hosting:
- World Athletics U20 Championships 2028
- World Athletics Championships 2031
Officials stated that the state is rapidly developing world-class infrastructure to strengthen its global sporting profile and attract international events.
The visit by the World Athletics delegation marks a significant step in Gujarat’s bid to host major global athletics competitions. With large-scale infrastructure development and government backing, the state aims to establish itself as a premier international sports destination.
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