New Delhi, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chennai has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, making India the host nation for the continental competition for the fourth time.
The Asian Athletics Association announced the decision on Tuesday, subject to the Tamil Nadu government submitting the required letters of guarantee.
“Subject to presentation of letters of guarantee from the Govt, Asian Athletics Association is pleased to award the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships to Chennai, Tamil Nadu,” the association said in a statement.
C. Latha, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association (TNAA), said the championships were likely to be held in August 2029.
Speaking from Tokyo after attending the Asian Athletics Federation Council meeting, Latha said Chennai’s infrastructure and facilities had been highlighted during the state’s presentation. These included the legacy of the Nehru Stadium in hosting international athletics events, the availability of a practice facility at the Nehru ‘B’ ground, proximity to an international airport and hotels near the venue.
She said the state government was also expected to relay the main athletics track soon.
C.K. Valson, a member of the Competition Commission for Asian Athletics, had inspected the Nehru Stadium the previous week and was reportedly satisfied with the main track and practice ground.
According to Latha, Valson had suggested improvements such as arrangements for VIP lounges, modifications to seating and the installation of LED screens.
The remaining formal requirement is for the Tamil Nadu government to send a letter to the president of the Asian Athletics Federation confirming that it will bear the entire cost of hosting the championships, she said.
India last hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 in Bhubaneswar. The country had previously staged the event in New Delhi in 1989 and Pune in 2013.
The Chennai event will be part of India’s expanding international athletics calendar. Chandigarh is scheduled to host the Asian Relays Championships in 2027, while Odisha is set to stage the Asian Indoor Championships and the World Indoor Championships in 2028.
Gujarat is also in contention to host the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2028.
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