World Athletics Day is celebrated every year on 7th May. Its primary objective is to promote interest in sports among the youth, especially in athletics, and to spread awareness about health and fitness. This day is observed internationally and was initiated by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), now known as World Athletics.
History of World Athletics
The process of establishing World Athletics began on 18th July 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden, after the 1912 Olympics. In this meeting, 27 representatives from 17 countries decided to hold a formal congress in Berlin the following year, chaired by Siegfried Edström. In 1913, the IAAF (International Amateur Athletics Federation) was officially formed, which later became popular as World Athletics.
Headquarters and Expansion of Sports
The organization’s headquarters was located in Stockholm from 1912 to 1946, in London from 1946 to 1993, and was later moved to Monaco. In 1926, the IAAF initiated the regulation of ball games such as handball and basketball, which eventually led to the establishment of international federations for handball in 1928 and basketball in 1932.
Professional Era and Name Change
In 1982, athletes were allowed to receive compensation, but the term “amateur” remained in the name until 2001. The organization was then renamed the International Association of Athletics Federations. In 2019, it was rebranded as World Athletics.
Financial Transparency and Crisis Management
In 2020, World Athletics published its financial report for the first time, revealing a revenue of $200 million during the Olympic cycle, while it faced deficits in non-Olympic years. The organization heavily depended on the Japanese agency Dentsu. By 2018, it had a reserve of $45 million, which helped maintain financial stability even during the pandemic.
Global Bans and Neutrality
Due to the Ukraine war, in 2022, all athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus were banned from events. In 2024, during the Gaza conflict, demands were made to ban Israeli athletes, which the organization rejected, stating that it aims to remain politically neutral. The ban on Russia and Belarus remains in effect.
World Athletics Day
World Athletics Day is observed every year on 7th May, aimed at encouraging and motivating the youth towards track and field sports.
Objectives
- There are several objectives behind organizing World Athletics Day, such as:
- Spreading awareness about athletics among the youth
- Connecting school and college students with sports
- Promoting interest in health and fitness
- Identifying and encouraging future athletes
- Promoting the idea of “Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body”
What is Athletics?
Athletics is a category of sports that includes running, jumping, and throwing events. These are individual sports and a key component of the Olympic Games.
Major Athletics Events:
- 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints
- Long-distance running (1500m, 5000m, Marathon)
- Long jump, High jump
- Javelin throw, Shot put
- Relay races (4x100m, 4x400m)
- Hurdles (Obstacle races)
About World Athletics
- Former Name: IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation)
- Established: 1912
- Headquarters: Monaco
World Athletics organizes international athletics events such as:
- World Athletics Championships
- Diamond League
- World U20 Championships
- Olympic Athletics Competitions
Importance of the Day
- Connects children and youth with sports
- Teaches discipline, hard work, and patience
- Helps in maintaining better health
- Promotes sports culture in developing countries like India
- Helps identify future Olympic participants
Status of Athletics in India
Athletics is gradually becoming popular in India. Some leading Indian athletes who have brought glory to the country on international platforms include:
- Neeraj Chopra – Olympic Gold Medalist (Javelin Throw)
- Hima Das – India’s “Dhing Express”, 400m sprinter
- Avinash Sable – Represents India in steeplechase
- T. P. Usha – The “Track Queen” of India
Conclusion
World Athletics Day is not just a celebration of sports; it symbolizes healthy living and youth empowerment. This day reminds us that sports are not just about winning, but essential for growth in all areas of life.
Also Read:
- International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025
- National Sports Day 2024: History, Significance & Celebration
