Glasgow will be perfect stage for World Indoor Champs in 2024

Wednesday 1st December 2021

Image via Brand Oath

World Athletics has announced that Glasgow will host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships following a successful bid process.

The Emirates Arena will stage the biggest Indoor athletics championships in the world, five years on from holding the hugely successful European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019.

News of the award has delighted the bid partners EventScotland, Glasgow Life, UK Athletics and UK Sport who received the outcome of the World Athletics Council vote earlier this afternoon.

‘In an era where Scottish athletes are shining on the world stage, I am delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host this major, global event,’ said David Ovens, Chair of scottishathletics.

‘I want to say thank you to the event partners: Glasgow Life, Event Scotland, UK Sport and UK Athletics, who have worked extremely hard to pull the bid together.

‘Glasgow has a fine tradition of hosting fantastic events and I am certain that the World Indoor Championships in 2024 will be no exception.’

Laura Muir, with a 1500m/3000m gold double, Chris O’Hare, Eilidh Doyle and Zoey Clark all landed medals with GB and NI when Glasgow hosted the European Indoors in 2019.

It’s hoped the next generation of global athletes will be inspired in Scotland ???????

Glasgow has been unveiled as the host city for the 2024 @WorldAthletics Indoor Championships ?????

Colin Hutchison from @scotathletics says it’ll bring a sense of community spirit ????? pic.twitter.com/66t1hoz6VK

— Radio Clyde News (@RadioClydeNews) December 2, 2021

Laura Muir on her way to double gold at the European Indoors in Glasgow in March 2019 (photo by Bobby Gavin)

‘I’m delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2024,’ said Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

‘This will underline Scotland’s global reputation as the Perfect Stage for events and is welcome news as we look to recover from the pandemic.’

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: ‘We are delighted that Glasgow and Scotland have been chosen to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

‘Scotland is the perfect stage for events and securing the Championships reinforces our reputation as a global leader in the delivery of innovative and world class events.

‘We look forward to working closely with World Athletics and our partners to deliver the truly memorable Championships, and to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world to Glasgow and Scotland in 2024.’

Ian Beattie, Chair of UK Athletics said: ‘We are delighted to be awarded the opportunity to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

‘World Athletics have demonstrated their confidence in the UK to host global athletics championships once again, and history has shown time and time again our ability to deliver amazing events.

‘We’re thrilled with the outcome and look forward to a successful Championships working alongside our partners that will truly give all athletes a fantastic stage upon which to perform.’

Photo by Bobby Gavin

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ‘The announcement by Word Athletics recognises Glasgow’s global reputation as a first choice host for major sporting events and as a city with a track record of delivering world-class event experiences.

‘It will be a privilege to bring the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships to the Emirates Arena, which is widely regarded as one of the best athletics venues in the world.

‘Glasgow is committed to using major international events to encourage participation in sport and physical activity, and to ensuring the positive impact of events benefits local communities.

‘Together with our partners, we’re looking forward to continuing that important work and to delivering an outstanding Championships which helps to inspire Scotland’s next generation of talented athletes.’