**Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships in Historic Decision**
Nairobi has been officially selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking a significant milestone as the first African city to stage this prestigious event. The announcement was made by World Athletics following a council meeting held in Budapest on Tuesday. Alongside Nairobi's selection, the 2031 edition of the championships has been awarded to Munich, Germany.
This decision comes after Nairobi's previous bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships was unsuccessful, with Tokyo being chosen for that year. However, the Kenyan capital has a history of hosting international athletics events, having successfully organized the World U18 Championships in 2017 and the World U20 Championships in 2021.
The upcoming World Athletics Championships will take place at the Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This preparation is part of a broader effort to enhance the infrastructure for sports in Kenya, a nation renowned for its long-distance runners and rich athletics culture.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed enthusiasm about the decision, stating, “Nairobi presented a compelling and emotional bid, and taking the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.” Coe emphasized Kenya's deep-rooted connection to athletics, noting that the sport is an integral part of the country's identity.
The 2031 World Athletics Championships will return to Germany, taking place at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. This will be the first time Germany has hosted the championships since Berlin in 2009. Coe praised Germany's track record, saying, “Germany has proved time and again that it is an outstanding and dependable host for major athletics events.”
Both the 2029 and 2031 championships are scheduled for September, aligning with the timeline for the 2027 championships set to be held in Beijing. This strategic scheduling reflects World Athletics' commitment to maintaining a consistent calendar for major events in the sport.
The decision to host the championships in Nairobi is seen as a significant step towards promoting athletics in Africa and providing a platform for local athletes to compete on a global stage. As preparations begin, there is considerable anticipation regarding the impact of this event on the local community and the broader athletics landscape in Africa.