Serious cause for concern: Kenya coach Dennis Mwanzo slams organisers over stray dogs incident at World Para Athletics Championships 2025

Two foreign coaches were attacked by stray dogs inside the stadium on Friday.

An embarrassing security lapse at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi has put a spotlight on India’s struggles with its stray dog population, raising serious concerns for the safety of international athletes and officials.

On Friday, two foreign coaches were bitten by strays within the supposedly secure Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Kenya’s sprints coach Dennis Mwanzo was supervising training to a 200m athlete named Stacey Obonyo when a dog suddenly bit him on the right calf.

Shortly after, Japanese assistant coach Mieko Okumatsu was also bitten at the warm-up track. Both were immediately rushed to Safdarjung Hospital for anti-rabies treatment, where Mwanzo reported meeting other victims of dog bites. A security guard was also reportedly attacked.

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What’s even more concerning is that Coach Mwanzo noted that even after the shocking incident, no visible steps were taken to improve security at the stadium.

“Even after the incident, I don’t think any measures have been implemented, as I still saw dogs around. I requested the authorities to remove them,” Dennis Mwanzo told the PTI reporters after coming from the hospital.

“I couldn’t return to Kenya immediately because I had to continue my medication. Once something like this happens, the fear stays with you,” he added.

The incidents have drawn sharp criticism, both on social media and from officials. Kenyan team doctor Michael Okaro called the situation a “big sign of worry”, as mentioned by the Indian Express.

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“The incident occurred around 9:30 am in the morning and Dennis was rushed to the Safdarjung Hospital and was given the rabies vaccine. At a global event like the World Championships, such incidents are a big sign of worry. We are worried about Dennis at the moment,” Okaro said.

Reportedly, the organizers have since blamed individuals who feed stray dogs near the stadium, leading to the animals’ re-entry despite prior clearance efforts.

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In response, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has stationed dedicated dog-catching teams and vehicles at the stadium to relocate the strays to shelters.

This is not the first time India’s stray dog problem has impacted sporting events. The incidents recall a recent Supreme Court order requiring authorities to relocate aggressive dogs to shelters.

The issue has even drawn concern from national politicians as well. Congress leader Karti P. Chidambaram questioned India’s aspirations to host major events like the Olympics amidst such ongoing public safety challenges.

“And we want to host the Olympics. Nothing has changed on the ground since the SCI verdict on Street dogs,” he wrote on X.

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