Defending champions from 11 nations will showcase their skills at the World Athletics Indoor Championships starting Friday in Nanjing, the Chinese mainland, as global sports fans turn their attention to the prestigious event. The competition promises high-stakes drama across track and field disciplines, with multiple world record holders and Olympic medalists vying for glory.
Sweden’s pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis enters as a favorite after clearing 6.05 meters at last year’s championship. The athlete, who recently set a new world record of 6.27 meters in France, told reporters: "Every competition is a new challenge—I’m here to push limits."
Britain’s Molly Caudery aims to defend her women’s pole vault title, while New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr (high jump) and Burkina Faso’s Hugues Fabrice Zango (triple jump) return to protect their crowns. On the track, USA’s Grant Holloway seeks continued dominance in the 60m hurdles.
Chinese athletes Gong Lijiao (women’s shot put) and Zhu Yaming (men’s triple jump) will compete before home crowds, adding local excitement. "Competing domestically brings extra motivation," said Zhu, a two-time world championship medalist.
The event highlights Nanjing’s growing role as a hub for international sports, with facilities upgraded to meet World Athletics standards. Over 130 countries and regions will participate in the three-day championship.
