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Key Points

Stray dogs have caused safety concerns at the World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi. Two coaches from Japan and Kenya were bitten while supervising training sessions at the stadium. Organizers have responded by deploying 24/7 dog-catching teams and reinforcing safety measures. Despite earlier efforts to clear the venue, the challenge continues due to people feeding dogs near the stadium.

Key Points: Stray Dogs Bite Coaches at World Para Athletics Championships

  • Japan and Kenya coaches were bitten while supervising training at warm-up track
  • MCD has stationed two dedicated dog-catching teams permanently at stadium
  • All captured animals are being relocated following strict animal welfare standards
  • Organisers made formal request to MCD in August to clear stray dogs from venue
  • Challenge persists due to individuals repeatedly feeding dogs near stadium premises
  • Both coaches received immediate medical attention and were taken to Safdarjung Hospital
2 min read

World Para Athletics Championships: Organisers scramble to contain Stray Dog Menace after two incidents

Japan and Kenya coaches bitten by stray dogs at Delhi stadium, prompting urgent safety measures and 24/7 dog-catching teams at the World Para Athletics event.

"The safety, health, and well-being of participants is non-negotiable - Organising Committee"

New Delhi, October 4

The Organising Committee of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 has reiterated its commitment to ensuring an uncompromised environment of safety, health, and security for athletes, officials, and spectators, after it was reported that some foreign delegates were bitten by stray dogs at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

According to the organisers, on August 21, a formal request was made to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to safeguard the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by removing stray dogs from the venue. Acting swiftly, the MCD cleared the premises well before the start of the Championships, and dog-catching vehicles have been stationed at the stadium from Day 1 to ensure constant vigilance and immediate response.

Despite these precautionary measures, the challenge of individuals repeatedly feeding stray dogs near the venue has allowed animals to re-enter the premises. Unfortunately, this led to two isolated incidents at the warm-up track on 3 October 2025 with Coaches of Japan & Kenya getting bitten.

Coach Meiko Okumatsu (NPC Japan) & Coach Dennis Maragia (NPC Kenya) sustained bites while supervising training. Both were immediately attended and provided on-spot medical attention at the Athlete Medical Room. They were then taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where they received appropriate treatment, post which they were taken to their respective Hotels.

Following these incidents, the MCD has reinforced its deployment with two dedicated dog-catching teams permanently stationed inside the stadium premises, supported by vehicles for the rapid removal and transfer of strays to shelter homes. All captured animals are being relocated in accordance with strict animal welfare standards, ensuring both their safety and humane treatment.

The Organising Committee underscored that while animal welfare norms are being fully respected, the safety, health, and well-being of participants is non-negotiable. The stadium and surrounding areas have been fully sanitised in coordination with civic agencies, and strengthened preventive measures are now in place to ensure uninterrupted, secure conduct of the Championships.

Two on-site teams, supported by stationed vehicles, continue round-the-clock operations to ensure there is no compromise on participant safety and the successful hosting of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why are people still feeding strays near the stadium during such an important event? This shows complete lack of civic sense. The MCD should impose heavy fines on anyone feeding dogs in restricted areas. Safety first!
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Arjun K
Good to see that the authorities are handling this humanely by following animal welfare standards while ensuring participant safety. This balanced approach is what we need - protect both people and animals. 🙏
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Sarah B
As someone who works with animal welfare, I appreciate that they're relocating the dogs to shelters instead of harming them. But this incident highlights our chronic stray animal problem that needs a permanent solution.
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Vikram M
The medical response seems prompt and professional. Safdarjung Hospital is one of our best. Hope this doesn't affect India's reputation as a host for international sporting events. Let's focus on making the rest of the championships successful!
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Michael C
While I understand the safety concerns, I'm concerned about what "humane treatment" actually means for these stray dogs. Are they being properly cared for in shelters? This needs more transparency.
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Ananya R
This is why we need proper animal birth control programs across all Indian cities. Temporary solutions during events won't solve the root problem. Kudos to the organizers for their quick response though

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