Ahead of the Olympics, India is aiming to host the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in 2028

The Athletics Federation of India has submitted a letter of intent to host the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in 2028, the head of the sport’s world governing body Sebastian Coe told PTI on Wednesday. In August this year, World Athletics (WA) announced bids for the 2028 and 2030 championships and Coe said he was pleased India had joined the process. “I am pleased to announce that I am taking home the letter of intent and letter of intent to participate in the bid discussions for the 2028 Under-20 World Cup,” Coe said.

“So, look, this is moving in the right direction (for India),” said the legendary former middle-distance runner, who has already met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya since arriving here.

He is currently in Mumbai and has held meetings with representatives of Tata Communications, who are the broadcasting rights holders of the first World Athletics Championships, which will feature top athletes, to be held in 2026.

Coe, who is a contender to become International Olympic Committee president in next year’s election, added that if he is elected to the top job, athletes will be at the center of every policy the global body formulates.

“I’m currently working on a manifesto. And this manifesto will truly reflect the views of all my colleagues that I have spoken to and the many important stakeholders in the Olympic landscape.” – he said.

Stakeholders consulted by Coe include National Olympic Committees (NOCs), international federations, commercial partners, broadcasters and athletes.

“Athletes are at the center of the project,” he said.

Coe said one of the biggest issues facing athletes is mental health and he is passionate about making a difference.

“We have athletes who are quite rightly more demanding when it comes to issues such as wellbeing and mental health. All these things are important.

“So, for me, it’s about empowering all of these different stakeholders, especially members, to be in a position that will ultimately help create an environment where challenges are overcome and opportunities are seized.” One of the most controversial issues facing the IOC is the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sporting events. The body was criticized for allowing this to happen.

WA under Coe’s leadership maintained an all-female stance, a decision that was criticized by transgender rights advocates. Coe noted that despite his current position, he believed in “consensus”.

“…I create teams and we work by consensus. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but I think that in the specific space you’re talking about, the IOC needs to set clear policies and frameworks. which assist international federations in making such decisions.

“But you have to have a clear and unambiguous policy.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)