Chennai set to host 2029 Asian Athletics Championships
The Asian Athletics Association will officially award the event to Tamil Nadu once the state government provides necessary financial and administrative guarantees.
Chennai is poised to host the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, according to reports from India Today and The Assam Tribune. The Asian Athletics Association (AAA) announced the decision on Tuesday during its 107th council meeting in Tokyo, subject to the Tamil Nadu government submitting formal letters of guarantee.
C Latha, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association (TNAA), said the presentation highlighted the legacy of Nehru Stadium and the availability of practice facilities at the Nehru ‘B’ ground. Latha also noted that Chennai offers an international airport and hotels close to the venue.
The award is contingent on the state government providing documents confirming it will bear the entire cost of hosting the meet. C.K. Valson, a member of the Competition Commission for Asian Athletics, recently inspected the Nehru Stadium and reportedly suggested improvements such as installing LED screens and modifying seating arrangements.
If finalised, this will be the fourth time India stages the continental event, having previously hosted it in New Delhi in 1989, Pune in 2013, and Bhubaneswar in 2017. The 2029 event in Chennai will be the 28th edition of the biennial championships.
India's upcoming athletics calendar includes the Asian Relays Championships in Chandigarh in August 2027. Bhubaneswar is scheduled to host the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships and the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028.