In a landmark moment for the country, Ethiopia has been officially selected by World Athletics to host an international athletics competition for the first time in its history. The capital city, Addis Ababa, will serve as the stage for a prestigious “One Day Meeting,” signaling a new era for the nation’s sporting diplomacy.
The event is scheduled to take place on April 18, 2026. This inclusion in the official World Athletics calendar marks a significant departure from Ethiopia’s traditional role as a producer of elite talent to becoming a premier destination for global competitive events.
The meeting is expected to draw a diverse field of international athletes competing for substantial prize purses. Beyond the track, the event serves a strategic purpose: it will be managed and overseen by high-level World Athletics experts, providing Ethiopian sports professionals with an invaluable platform for capacity building and international technical experience.
Reflecting on the achievement, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie shared the news via her official account on X (formerly Twitter) on March 4, 2026. She hailed the decision as a validation of the city’s recent investments in infrastructure and international relations.
“Our efforts in international relations, sports diplomacy, and the expansion of sports infrastructure are bearing fruit,” Mayor Adanech stated. “Ethiopia has secured the chance to host an international competition in Addis Ababa for the first time, successfully joining the World Athletics calendar. This competition represents a massive opportunity for our country and our athletics professionals.”
While this marks Ethiopia’s debut as a host for a World Athletics “One Day Meeting,” the nation has long been a titan on the global stage. For decades, Ethiopia has dominated middle and long-distance running, producing legends such as Abebe Bikila, Haile Gebrselassie, Tirunesh Dibaba, and Kenenisa Bekele.
Historically, Ethiopian athletes have secured hundreds of Olympic and World Championship medals, often sweeping podiums in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.
