In an embarrassing incident for the organisers, stray dogs bit coaches from Kenya and Japan in separate incidents during the World Para Athletics Championships on Friday.
Both victims are out of danger after being treated at a nearby hospital.
Kenyan coach Dennis Maragia was speaking to one of his athletes outside the competition arena of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, when a stray dog suddenly came and bit him, according to the official.
Later, the organisers informed that Japanese coach Meiko Okumatsu was also bitten by a stray dog while supervising her athletes’ training at the warm-up track adjacent to the main competition area.
“Our coach Mr Dennis was speaking to an athlete near the call room, and a stray dog came out from nowhere and bit him,”
Joel Atuti, who accompanied the team as a government of Kenya representative, was quoted as saying to PTI.
“The incident happened around 10am. Blood was oozing out of his leg and the medical team stationed at the stadium reached there. He was taken to a hospital and given treatment, including injections,” he added.
“He is otherwise fine, no problem as of now. He will take some medicines also.”
The call room is the area where players assemble before their respective events. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has two call rooms, both some metres away from the main competition arena. In some athletics events, the call room is located just near the warm-up area.
What Did Organisers Say?
The organisers said both coaches received immediate medical attention at the Athlete Medical Room before being taken to Safdarjung Hospital for appropriate treatment. They were then transported to their respective team hotels.
“The Organising Committee reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring an uncompromised environment of safety, health, and security for athletes, officials, and spectators,” a statement from the organisers said.
“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 has led to two isolated incidents at the warm-up track on 3 October 2025 with coaches of Japan and Kenya getting bitten.
“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 rapid removal and transfer of strays to shelter homes. All captured animals are being relocated in line with strict animal welfare norms, ensuring both safety and humane treatment.”
The organisers stated that on August 21, they formally requested 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.
“The Organising Committee underscores 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 Championships.”
(With inputs from PTI)
