India has the potential to host global athletic events: Sebastian Coe

Mumbai: India has the potential to host major athletic events in the future, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said, after the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) formally submitted a declaration expressing its intent to stage the Under-20 World Championships in 2028.

Coe, who is currently in India, highlighted two key objectives of his visit: strengthening the partnership with Tata Communications and fostering relationships with the AFI and government officials. During his trip, the retired British athlete met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, he said, views athletics as a driver of health, economic growth, and educational development.

"I think there's a recognition from the Prime Minister that these events drive sporting participation but also deliver outcomes far beyond just the field of play," Coe told ET.


Coe also met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who briefed him on the letter of intent sent by India to the International Olympic Committee to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.

The World Athletics president noted that India's athletics ecosystem is experiencing significant grassroots growth, supported by the global body’s online coaching programmes. Over the past year, more than 3,000 Level-1 and 250 Level-2 coaches have been trained.

Indian athletics has been bolstered by standout athletes like Neeraj Chopra, the first Indian track and field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal.

Coe also discussed World Athletics’ partnership with Tata Communications. In June, the two organisations signed a five-year global host broadcasting services agreement covering World Athletics Series events.

"Our partnership with Tata Communications is very important because we have made this four-year cycle in our sport a real focus on innovation. We needed to put our house in order and ensure our governance was in good shape. Now, in this four-year cycle — my last four years in the sport — we are focusing on innovation," Coe explained.

Looking ahead, Coe expressed hope that Indian media companies and corporate sponsors would step up to contribute to the growth of athletics in India. He cited brand sponsorship deals with global companies such as Sony, Honda, and Deloitte as evidence of athletics' expanding global appeal.