Chennai has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, the Asian Athletics Association announced on Tuesday, subject to the presentation of letters of guarantee from the government.

The award marks the fourth time India will stage the continental championships, after New Delhi in 1989, Pune in 2013 and Bhubaneswar in 2017. It will also be the 28th edition of the biennial event, and the first time India has hosted it in 12 years.

C. Latha, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association, said the championships are likely to be held in August 2029. She was speaking from Tokyo after attending the Asian Athletics Federation Council meeting on Tuesday, where the decision was taken.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to host the event

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai has been proposed as the venue and is expected to undergo a major revamp ahead of the championships. Latha said the state's presentation highlighted the stadium's legacy of hosting international meetings, the practice facility at the Nehru B ground, Chennai's international airport and hotels close to the venue.

C.K. Valson, a member of the Competition Commission for Asian Athletics, inspected the Nehru Stadium last week and was reported to be satisfied with the main track and practice ground. He asked for arrangements including VIP lounges, modified seating and LED screens.

All that remains is for the Tamil Nadu government to send a letter to the president of the Asia Athletics Federation confirming that it will bear the entire cost of hosting the meet. Once those guarantees are submitted, the award becomes formal.

India's growing athletics calendar

The Chennai award adds to a busy run of international athletics events coming to India. The country is already set to host the Asian Relays Championships in Chandigarh in 2027, followed by the Asian Indoor Championships and the World Indoor Championships in Odisha in 2028.

Gujarat is also preparing to bid for the 2028 World Athletics Under-20 Championships, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city and the bid expected to be submitted in December.

India's most recent hosting of the Asian Athletics Championships, in Bhubaneswar in 2017, was also its most successful campaign, with the hosts topping the medal table with 29 medals, including 12 gold, five silver and 12 bronze. India won 17 medals at the 2013 edition in Pune.

The developments form part of a wider push to establish India as a regular destination for major international sporting competitions, as the country looks towards the hosting of the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2038 Asian Games.