'Kenya's moment' as Nairobi to host 2029 world athletics champs in African first - EWN

PARIS, FRANCE- Nairobi will host the 2029 World Outdoor Athletics Championships, beating off competition from London, Munich and Rome to become the first African hosts, World Athletics announced Tuesday.

The 2031 championships will be held in Munich, track and field's governing body said after a council meeting in Budapest, host to the recently concluded Ultimate Championship.

"We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe told a press conference.

The 2027 event has already been awarded to Beijing.

"This council decision today means we're able to deliver our World Athletics Championships in Asia, Africa, and Europe over its next three editions," the Briton added.

"Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic. Nairobi has presented a compelling and an emotional bid."

Kenyan President William Ruto hailed Nairobi's successful bid, saying: "This is Kenya's moment, Africa's moment and a victory for generations of athletes who made our nation synonymous with excellence on the track, on the road and cross country."