World Para Athletics C’Ship 2025: Stray dog bites Japanese, Kenyan coach; dog catchers called in at JLN Stadium
Dog catchers were called inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday morning after a stray dog bit Japanese coach Meiko Okumatsu and Kenyan coach Dennis Maragia while they were supervising training at the practice track.
“On August 21, 2025, a formal request was made to 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 of the Para Athletics Championships said in a press statement.
“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 led to two isolated incidents at the warm-up track on October 3, 2025, with coaches of Japan & Kenya getting bit.”
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Okumatsu and Maragia were immediately attended to and provided on-spot medical attention at the athlete’s medical room. They were then taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where they received appropriate treatment, post which they were taken to their respective hotels.
“Two coaches were bitten in the morning session. After I cleaned and dressed their wounds, I took them to Safdarjang Hospital, where we followed the medical protocol for dog bites,” Dr. Ish Middha of the Medical Committee told reporters.
The treatment was carried out assuming the dog is not vaccinated.
The Organising Committee said that the MCD has two dedicated dog-catching teams permanently stationed inside the stadium premises, supported by vehicles for rapid removal and transfer of strays to shelter homes. The Committee also reiterated that all captured animals are being relocated in line with strict animal welfare norms, ensuring both safety and humane treatment.
“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 World Para Athletics Championships 2025.”
World Para Athletics said this incident is not under its purview but that of the Local Organising Committee.
Published on Oct 03, 2025