World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has praised Nanjing's "exceptionally organized" hosting of the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships, while positioning China as a driving force in the sport's global growth strategy.

Coe, who arrived in Nanjing just before the final day of the event, expressed immediate admiration for the event's execution and atmosphere shortly after touring the championships' venue.

Grant Holloway of the United States competes during the men's 60m hurdles final at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, March 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Song Yanhua)

"A very well-organized event with a good crowd, positive, knowledgeable, passionate. The athletes are clearly raising their game," he said exclusively to Xinhua on Sunday.

The president's enthusiasm extended to China's broader ambitions, with Beijing set to host the 2027 World Athletics Championships and other major Chinese cities slated to stage global events in the coming years.

Coe believes that China's rapid development in athletics aligns seamlessly with World Athletics' strategic priorities, citing the nation's thriving participation base, robust event hosting, and commercial partnerships as critical drivers of global growth.

"The presence, profile, and commercial viability of our sport in China are vital because they help us grow worldwide," he explained. "Whether it's participation, empowerment, or competition programs, China is leading the way in many of these pillars."

"Every time I come to China and work out early in the morning, I see marathons or road races taking place," Coe said, pointing to the explosive popularity of road running and trail events as evidence of this progress. "The sport is moving in a very good direction here."

According to Coe, the Chinese Athletics Association's focus on legacy-building is central to sustaining this momentum. He praised the federation for ensuring events like Nanjing 2025 leave lasting grassroots impacts, such as youth club memberships and lifelong fitness habits.

"Our kids' athletics programs in China are very important. They not only guide people into athletics but introduce exercise patterns that stick with children for life. It works at every level," Coe said.

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