World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has identified India as a massive and largely unexplored frontier for track and field, describing the nation's hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad as a defining opportunity for the sport's expansion.
Ahmedabad 2030: A Springboard for Growth
Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, shared his vision during a virtual media briefing. He confirmed that the mixed 4x400m relay and the mile race, which will debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will be retained for the Ahmedabad edition in 2030. He emphasized the high competitive bar of the Commonwealth Games, calling it a "tough championship."
"Winning a Commonwealth Games medal in track and field is statistically very hard," Coe stated. He pointed out the dominance of nations like Kenya in endurance events and Jamaica, the UK, and Canada in sprints, underlining the challenge for all athletes.
Neeraj Chopra Fuels India's Athletics Ascent
The 69-year-old British sports administrator credited India's rising athletics profile to its star performers, most notably Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. "India is an important market for us. It has a lot of untapped potential," Coe said.
He highlighted that track and field's growing popularity in India presents significant commercial and participatory opportunities. World Athletics has engaged in detailed talks with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and commercial partners to deepen its roots in the country.
Global Momentum and Strategic Bids
Coe's optimism extends beyond the Commonwealth Games. He revealed that India has already placed a bid for the 2028 World U20 Athletics Championships and is strategically planning bids for the senior World Championships in 2029 and 2031. This signals a long-term commitment to becoming a global hub for the sport.
Explaining the revival of the mile race after its last Commonwealth appearance in 1966, Coe called it a blend of tradition and innovation. He referenced the historic 'Miracle Mile' of 1954, where Roger Bannister and John Landy first broke the four-minute barrier.
On a global scale, Coe painted a bright picture for athletics, citing a 25% increase in World Athletics revenues over four years and record viewership during the Tokyo World Championships. He believes the sport is entering a vibrant new era, with India poised to play a central role in its future growth.
