Incident at WPAC raises safety concerns
The World Para Athletics Championships, hosted at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, faced a distressing disruption when stray dogs attacked participants and staff on Friday morning. Two foreign coaches and a security guard were bitten, marking what organizers say is the fifth dog bite incident at the JLN stadium during the event. The incidents underscored safety concerns for differently-abled athletes, their support staff, and visiting officials as competition momentum continued.
What happened on Friday
According to reports from the WPAC Local Organising Committee (LOC), two coaches—Meiko Okumatsu of NPC Japan and Dennis Maragia Mwanzo of Kenya—were involved in separate, unprovoked bites on the warm-up track within a 30-minute span. A security guard at one of the stadium gates was also attacked. The incident times cited in medical records place Okumatsu at 9:18 am and Mwanzo at 9:42 am while supervising their athletes during warm-up sessions. A WhatsApp message from the LOC’s group summarized the moment: “3 dog bites in 30 minutes. Please ensure the dogs are taken out of the stadium.”
Medical response and treatment
TOI obtained a medical incidence report detailing the injuries and subsequent care. Okumatsu sustained a lacerated wound on the left calf, with measurements of 7x5x3 cm and 3x3x1 cm noted. Wounds were cleaned, dressed, and stitches were applied, followed by anti-rabies management per standard guidelines. She received anti-rabies vaccine, immunoglobulin, and tetanus treatment, and was referred to the anti-rabies clinic at Safdarjung Hospital for vaccination and ongoing care. Mwanzo’s injury—a 2x2x1 cm wound on the posterior right calf—was treated similarly, with anti-rabies measures administered as per protocol. Both cases reflect the seriousness of dog bites and the need for thorough medical follow-up.
Why these incidents occurred
The WPAC organizing committee attributed Friday’s bites to individuals feeding stray dogs near the venue, a recurring issue that allows animals to re-enter the stadium despite preventive steps. Ahead of the event, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had cleared the premises and stationed dog-catching vehicles to maintain vigilance. Nevertheless, persistent feeding near the venue has repeatedly undermined these arrangements, leading to isolated attacks on foreign officials and local staff during the championships. In a formal statement, the LOC said sanitisation of the stadium and surrounding areas was ongoing in coordination with civic agencies, and reinforced preventive measures have been put in place to ensure uninterrupted competition.
Context: safety and public health considerations
Public health data underscore the scale of the issue: 37.17 lakh dog bite cases were reported in India in 2024, averaging over 10,000 bites daily. The World Health Organization (WHO), drawing on Indian government and domestic sources, also notes rabies-related deaths, though figures fluctuate by year. The current incidents at the WPAC bring these concerns to the forefront for a major international event hosted in India, and they highlight the need for ongoing, coordinated action to prevent dog intrusions and protect athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.
What happens next for WPAC and the host city
In light of Friday’s events, organizers say they will maintain heightened security and sanitation standards at the JLN stadium, with continued collaboration among the LOC, MCD, and public health authorities. The incident has prompted a broader review of on-site protocols for animal control, crowd management, and prohibited feeding zones, especially around training areas and entrances. The aim is to safeguard the final days of the championships and ensure that athletes—particularly differently-abled competitors—can train, compete, and interact in a secure environment.
Broader implications for event safety
As New Delhi hosts an international para-sports festival, the episode serves as a reminder that public health and animal-control measures are integral to the smooth execution of large-scale events. Strengthened enforcement against feeding near venues, reinforced perimeters, and rapid response teams will be essential components of the safety framework moving forward.
Conclusion
The WPAC incident at JLN Stadium illustrates the dual responsibility of event organizers and city authorities: to maintain a safe competition arena for elite athletes and to address public health realities that can affect international guests. While the immediate threat has been acknowledged and addressed through medical care and enhanced preventive measures, the championships’ successful completion will depend on sustained vigilance, clear communication, and decisive action against practices that compromise safety.
