Kenya’s sprint coach Dennis Mwanzo was bitten by a dog on the warm-up track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during practice at the ongoing World Para Athletics Championships. He reported experiencing pain in his leg and a slight headache following the incident.
Coach Meiko Okumatsu from Japan and Coach Dennis Maragia from Kenya also sustained dog bites while supervising training. Both coaches received immediate on-site medical attention at the Athlete Medical Room before being taken to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment. After receiving appropriate care, they were escorted back to their respective hotels.
Speaking to ANI after the incident, Dennis Mwanzo shared his experience. “I was with my team’s athlete when I felt something touching my leg,” he said. “I have pain in my leg and a little headache. I had been drinking water since morning because I initially thought it was dehydration, but the headache persisted. During the warm-up, after I clapped for my athlete to go, I felt something on my leg. I thought it was my physiotherapist, but when I turned, I saw a dog biting me.”
Dennis added, “When I saw the dogs earlier, I thought they were friendly, but I realized they were not. I also did not know what happened to the Japanese coach until she told me she was bitten by a dog.”
In response to these incidents, the Organising Committee of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe, healthy, and secure environment for athletes, officials, and spectators. Reports indicate that some foreign delegates were bitten by stray dogs at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, prompting swift action.
On August 21, a formal request was made to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to secure the stadium by removing stray dogs from the venue. The MCD acted promptly, clearing the premises well before the start of the Championships. Dog-catching vehicles have been stationed at the stadium from Day 1 to maintain constant vigilance and provide an immediate response.
Despite these precautionary measures, the problem of individuals repeatedly feeding stray dogs near the venue has led to animals re-entering the stadium premises. This situation culminated in two isolated incidents at the warm-up track on October 3, resulting in dog bites to the Japanese and Kenyan coaches.
Following these events, the MCD has reinforced its deployment by stationing two dedicated dog-catching teams permanently within the stadium. These teams are supported by vehicles to ensure rapid removal and transfer of stray dogs to shelter homes. All captured animals are relocated following strict animal welfare standards, ensuring their safety and humane treatment.
The Organising Committee emphasized that while animal welfare norms are being fully respected, the safety, health, and well-being of all participants remains non-negotiable. The stadium and surrounding areas have been thoroughly sanitized in coordination with civic agencies. Additionally, strengthened preventive measures have been implemented to guarantee the uninterrupted and secure conduct of the Championships.
Two on-site teams, supported by stationed vehicles, continue round-the-clock operations to ensure no compromise on participant safety and the successful hosting of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025.
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