India’s ambition to host the Olympics took a hit this week after stray dogs attacked two foreign coaches during the ongoing World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi on Friday.
The incident has sparked global embarrassment and raised serious questions about safety at international sporting events.
The attack happened on Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where Japanese coach Meiko Okumatsu and Kenyan coach Dennis Maragia were training athletes on the practice track. Both were bitten and injured by stray dogs. They received first aid at the stadium’s medical room before being taken to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment and later returned to their hotels.
According to Indian media reports, this was the fifth dog attack since the championship began. Earlier incidents involved a security guard and two Indian nationals, further highlighting the dire situation around major sports venues.
The Organising Committee said it had requested the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in August to clear stray dogs from the venue. Dog-catching vehicles were stationed at the stadium from the beginning of the event, but despite these efforts, locals feeding the animals nearby allowed them to return. The committee said this negligence led to the October 3 attack on the two coaches.
The problem of stray dogs in Delhi has become a national concern. In August 2024, the Indian Supreme Court ordered that all stray dogs be placed in shelters, but the decision triggered protests from animal welfare groups.
The court later revised its ruling, directing that stray dogs should instead be sterilised, vaccinated, and released, while only aggressive or rabid dogs should remain in shelters.
As India promotes its vision of hosting future Olympic Games, the recurring dog attacks during a world event have become a stark reminder that the country’s infrastructure and management still face serious challenges, even before reaching the global stage.