India’s First Mondo Track Marks a New Era for Sports

Every year, August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day in memory of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This year, however, the day carried a deeper meaning. Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India had laid its first Mondo athletic track at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN). With this, India became the 25th nation in the world to own such a facility, joining an elite list that includes countries known for their track and field dominance. The nine-lane track, with striking blue stripes and surrounded by a lush green football field, has already been called a “milestone moment” by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. Beyond symbolism, it represents a practical leap forward—giving Indian athletes a surface that meets the highest global standards.Why the Mondo Track MattersA Mondo track is not just about looks. It is a scientifically designed surface that helps athletes run faster, reduces injuries, and provides consistent performance. These tracks have been the stage for multiple world records, including at Olympic Games and World Championships. For years, Indian athletes trained on older synthetic tracks that often lacked international approval. The red-brick-colored surface laid during the 2010 Commonwealth Games had been upgraded but never hosted major world-class events due to technical shortcomings. This gap is now bridged. The timing is also significant; the track will face its first big test during the World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled at JLN Stadium from September 26 to October 5, 2025. For Indian para athletes like Sumit Antil and Simran Sharma, who made the nation proud in Paris 2024, the home advantage of competing on a global-standard track is both symbolic and inspiring.Reform Beyond InfrastructureThe Mondo track is part of a larger transformation, as India sets its sights on becoming a true sporting nation rather than one that only celebrates sporadic victories. To realize this vision, the Union Cabinet has approved several ambitious measures, including bids for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympics 2036, the launch of the Khelo Bharat Niti (National Sports Policy), the introduction of the National Sports Governance Act 2025, and an amended Anti-Doping Law. Together, these reforms aim to improve governance, ensure transparency, and nurture athletes from the grassroots level, reflecting the understanding that sporting excellence is achieved not overnight, but through consistent, structured investment.A Vision for Global LeadershipBy hosting the World Para Athletics Championships next month, India will showcase its readiness for larger events. Success here could strengthen its bids for the Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics. Sports tourism, sports goods manufacturing, and movements like Fit India are also being integrated into this larger vision. The three-day Khel Mahotsav, launched alongside the Mondo track, is designed to engage citizens in indigenous sports, debates, and fitness drives. It reflects how the government aims to take sports beyond stadiums and into the everyday lives of people. The Mondo track at JLN Stadium is not the end, but the beginning of India’s sporting journey into the global elite. As athletes step onto this surface, they are not just running races; they are carrying the hopes of a nation. The bid for Olympics 2036 may seem ambitious, but history shows that such dreams are achieved step by step.

World Athletics Day 2025: A Celebration of Athleticism and Health

World Athletics Day, observed annually on May 7, is a global celebration that promotes athletic participation, especially among youth, and advocates for health-conscious lifestyles. The day is marked by various events and activities organized by World Athletics, national athletics federations, schools, and local communities. This year, the 29th edition of World Athletics Day is being observed with great enthusiasm, amid rising concerns about youth inactivity, obesity, and mental health benefits of regular physical activity.History of World AthleticsWorld Athletics, formerly known as the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), was founded in 1912, following the Stockholm Olympics. The organization was established to promote and develop athletics globally, and to provide a framework for international competitions. Over the years, World Athletics has undergone several transformations, including a name change to International Association of Athletics Federations in 2001, and a rebranding to World Athletics in 2019. The aim of World Athletics Day is to promote athletic participation, especially among youth, and to advocate for health-conscious lifestyles. The objectives of the day include:- Encouraging youth participation in athletics at the grassroots level- Promoting physical fitness through regular sporting activities- Instilling Olympic values such as fair play, integrity, and teamwork- Discovering young talent with potential for national and international competitions- Promoting gender equality in sports participation- Increasing awareness about the long-term benefits of an active lifestyleSignificance of World Athletics DayWorld Athletics Day holds immense significance as it promotes athletic participation, especially among youth, and advocates for health-conscious lifestyles. By reviving track and field sports, it helps build discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship in young athletes. The day also raises awareness about the long-term benefits of regular physical activity, combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting overall well-being. Furthermore, it strengthens international cooperation through athletics, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. By celebrating World Athletics Day, individuals and communities can come together to promote a culture of fitness, sportsmanship, and healthy living .India and World AthleticsIndia has a rich athletics tradition, with many talented athletes representing the country at international competitions. World Athletics Day is an opportunity for India to promote athletic participation, especially among youth, and to advocate for health-conscious lifestyles. The day is marked by various events and activities organized by the Athletics Federation of India, schools, and local communities. World Athletics is headed by a president, who is elected for a four-year term. The organization has a council that consists of 26 elected members, including the president, four vice-presidents, and representatives from six area associations. The council is responsible for making key decisions about the direction of the organization and the sport of athletics.Committees of World AthleticsWorld Athletics has several committees that manage specialist portfolios, including:- Cross Country Committee- Race Walking Committee- Technical Committee- Women's Committee- Development Committee- Governance Committee- Competitions CommitteeWorld Athletics Day 2025 is marked by various events and activities organized by World Athletics, national athletics federations, schools, and local communities. As India celebrates World Athletics Day, it is an opportunity to promote athletic participation and healthy lifestyles.