NAIROBI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has expressed confidence in Kenya's preparations to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Coe arrived in Kenya on Wednesday to assess preparations for the 2029 championships in Nairobi. It marks his first visit to the country since Kenya was awarded the hosting rights, becoming the first African nation to host the biennial track and field showpiece.
Coe addressed a press briefing in Nairobi before the delegation departed for Eldoret in western Kenya to meet President William Ruto.
"Nairobi came through very strongly on a whole series of factors, including a strong commercial commitment, firm government support and Kenya's significant contribution to athletics, making it a worthy host of the 2029 World Athletics Championships," Coe said.
He emphasized that staging the premier senior outdoor championships in Africa for the first time would serve as a major catalyst for the growth of athletics across the continent.
Coe also addressed ongoing governance issues, including Kenya's anti-doping efforts.
More than 140 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned for doping violations since 2017 by the Athletics Integrity Unit, the independent body established by World Athletics to combat doping in the sport.
"With government funding and tighter intelligence-led testing, Kenya has come a long way in the fight against doping," Coe said, adding that hosting the World Championships in Kenya would significantly strengthen ongoing efforts to promote clean sport and integrity across the athletics community. ■
