In mid‑January 2026, IAU President Nadeem Khan visited India with representatives from the Athletics Federation of India to look at potential venues for the 2027 and 2029 IAU 50 km World Championships. The aim was to find places that not only meet technical requirements but also have the scale and atmosphere to host truly standout global events. This trip coincided with a concurrent site visit by officials from World Athletics who were evaluating sites in Gujarat and Odisha for potential WA champs bids by India.
The group spent time in Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar, checking out facilities that could offer athletes a top‑level racing experience. In Ahmedabad, they toured the newly opened Veer Savarkar Sports Complex and explored possible spectator‑friendly routes around Gujarat University and IIT Gandhinagar.
The visit continued in Bhubaneswar at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, where they met with government officials to discuss what would be needed to host two major championships in a row. With the 2025 IAU World Championships in New Delhi fast approaching, these early conversations are important for securing the support and resources required to deliver smooth, high‑quality events in 2027 and 2029.
This groundwork helps ensure that future editions of the IAU 50 km World Championships continue to meet the highest standards and maintain their place among the sport’s premier global events.
Jacek Bedkowski
IAU Vice-President
