World Para Athletics confirms Tashkent as 2027 host city

In June 2027, the para-sporting spotlight will turn to Uzbekistan as the nation becomes the first in Central Asia to host the flagship para-athletics event, a decision reflecting the country's rapid rise as a sporting powerhouse.

World Para Athletics has officially confirmed that Tashkent will host the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships. This announcement marks a historic first for the region, as the most significant single para-sport event on the global calendar heads to Uzbekistan. The competition is scheduled to take place at the Olympic City Main Stadium in June 2027.

Tashkent 2027 will represent the 13th edition of the championships and the fifth time the event has been staged in Asia. Uzbekistan follows in the footsteps of recent hosts including Doha (2015), Dubai (2019), Kobe (2024), and the most recent edition in New Delhi (2025).

The organisers expect to welcome approximately 1,300 athletes representing more than 100 nations. While the final list of events is still being finalised, the programme is expected to feature at least 164 medal events, closely aligned with the Paralympic Games schedule.

Paul Fitzgerald, head of World Para Athletics, emphasised that the selection of Tashkent is a testament to the nation's commitment to inclusivity and athletic development.

"This will be the largest international para-sport event ever to take place in the nation, opening doors for massive opportunities to grow our sport, our fan base, and to impact society's perception of persons with disabilities in Central Asia," Fitzgerald stated.

He also praised the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan for their investment in facilities, noting their increasingly impressive results on the world stage. At the recent New Delhi 2025 championships, Uzbekistan finished comfortably inside the top 15 of the medal table, securing five gold medals.

The Chairman of NPC Uzbekistan, Mukhtorkhon Tashkhodjaev, expressed the nation's readiness to welcome the world's elite para athletes.

"We are pleased to welcome talented athletes and future champions. This is a special opportunity to demonstrate our country's hospitality and commitment to sport," he said.

The move to Tashkent is expected to leave a lasting legacy across Central Asia, further cement Uzbekistan's status as a rising power in Para sports, and provide a world-class platform for athletes following the conclusion of the 2025 New Delhi event, where Brazil topped the overall standings.