New Delhi, 29 February (HS). The World Athletics Council has selected Beijing, China to host the 2027 World Athletics Championships. The decision was taken at the 234th World Athletics Council meeting held in Glasgow ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships (1-3 March). China will also host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing next year.
In an official statement issued by World Athletics on Thursday, President Sebastian Coe said, “12 years after our athletes lit up the National Stadium for the 15th edition of our global showpiece, their successful bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2027 But congratulations to Beijing.”
He said, “With a population of more than 1.4 billion, China is one of the largest sports markets in the world. It was the top performer for Wanda Diamond League broadcast consumption in 2023 with a cumulative audience of 368.9 million. “This is a huge opportunity to grow our game and fan base in one of the largest commercial markets in the world.”
Wang Nan, World Athletics Council member and vice-president of the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA), said, “Thank you to World Athletics for the recognition and trust in China and Beijing. The CAA will work closely with the Beijing Organizing Committee to make every effort to prepare for the Championships, ensuring that the Championships will be held at the highest quality standard, and to contribute more to the development of athletics around the world in a wonderful world. Will try to introduce athletics championship.”
Zhao Wen, director of the Beijing Sports Bureau, said, “We thank World Athletics for Beijing's trust and support. “Following the 15th World Athletics Championships in 2015, Beijing has been honored to host the 21st World Athletics Championships, the world’s highest-level athletics event, in 2027.”
Wen further said “After the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Beijing has become the first city in the world to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Sports have given life and vigor to this ancient capital. We are very much looking forward to the World Athletics family returning to Beijing to feel and experience the charm of the ancient and modern capital. “With the guidance and support of World Athletics, Beijing will do its best to prepare for the Championships and present an extraordinary athletics program to the world.”
The previous edition of the World Athletics Championships was held in Budapest in August, while Tokyo will host the 2025 event.