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The world\u2019s biggest indoor athletics spectacle of the year gets under way on 20 March in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, bringing together Olympic champions, world record-holders and emerging talents for three days of high-intensity competition inside the arena.<\/p>\n
A remarkable 12 defending champions from last year\u2019s edition in Nanjing<\/strong> return to protect their crowns \u2014 a rare concentration of proven winners that promises world-class performances from the opening gun.<\/p>\n Among them is Britain\u2019s explosive sprinter Jeremiah Azu, who stunned the field to take the men\u2019s 60m title, while South Korea\u2019s high-jump icon Woo Sang-hyeok aims to soar above his rivals once again.<\/p>\n Few athletes command more attention than pole vault superstar Armand \u2018Mondo\u2019 Duplantis. The Swedish world record-holder has redefined his event, regularly clearing heights never previously imagined and entering the championships as overwhelming favourite.<\/p>\n Italy\u2019s teenage sensation Mattia Furlani, Cuba\u2019s triple-jump powerhouse Andy D\u00edaz Hern\u00e1ndez, and New Zealand shot-put giant Tom Walsh also return as defending champions on the men\u2019s side.<\/p>\n Women\u2019s champions ready for another showdown<\/strong><\/p>\n The women\u2019s events are equally stacked.<\/p>\n Ethiopia\u2019s Freweyni Hailu, known for her devastating finishing kick, defends the 3,000m crown, while Bahamas hurdler Devynne Charlton seeks to maintain her dominance in the 60m hurdles.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s Olympic medallist Nicola Olyslagers returns in the high jump, alongside France\u2019s rising pole vault talent Marie-Julie Bonnin, Cuba\u2019s triple jump star Leyanis P\u00e9rez Hern\u00e1ndez, and Canada\u2019s world champion shot putter Sarah Mitton.<\/p>\n Olympic and world champions deepen the field<\/strong><\/p>\n The championships will also feature 11 individual gold medallists from the World Championships Tokyo 2025<\/strong> and nine Olympic champions from Paris 2024<\/strong>, underscoring the event\u2019s elite status.<\/p>\n Among the biggest names is Ukrainian high-jump world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh, whose elegance and consistency have made her the dominant force in her event. Britain\u2019s middle-distance star Keely Hodgkinson, Olympic 800m champion and one of the sport\u2019s most recognisable faces, is also expected to draw major attention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n