Piotr Całbecki and Paweł Gulewski with signed agreement (
Sławomir Kowalski / UMT)
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26 will be held in Toruń in March next year. An official agreement confirming the event was signed by the Marshal of the Kujawy Pomorze Region, Piotr Całbecki, and the Mayor of Toruń, Paweł Gulewski.
“This is a very important morning for us – not only in the context of sports, but also as a moment that confirms the realisation of a project that began several months ago, preparations for a major international event, the World Athletics Indoor Championships, which will take place from 20-22 March 2026. We have been looking forward to this for many years,” said Gulewski. “I am pleased that the main organiser, the local government of the Kujawy Pomorze Region, has agreed to extend our role and involvement beyond what was initially established with my predecessor. As the city, we are determined to be a strong and reliable partner – logistically, organisationally, and in terms of promotion and tourism. We are fully committed.”
Mayor Gulewski also highlighted the work of a dedicated interdisciplinary team composed of representatives from both the regional and city governments. The agreement signed today is a direct result of this team's efforts. It covers financial support provided by the region for the modernisation of the venue. Gulewski also noted that, thanks to a resolution by the city council, the capital of the Toruń Sports Infrastructure company was increased. As a result, 5 million PLN from the city’s 2024 budget has already been allocated to the replacement of the MONDO athletics track at the Arena Toruń – one of the key infrastructure upgrades.
“This is a significant day in the next phase of preparations for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26 in Toruń,” said Całbecki. “From 20-22 March 2026, our region – and all of Poland – will be at the centre of global athletics. This will be the most important sporting event ever held in our voivodeship, and among the top-tier cyclical athletics competitions in the world. Arena Toruń was built with this kind of milestone event in mind. You need to have an ambition in life – and make it happen. We’re witnessing that today. I want to thank Mayor Gulewski for his generosity.”
Under the newly signed cooperation agreement, the Kujawy Pomorze Region has committed 5,8 million PLN toward modernising the arena and adapting its infrastructure to meet the highest international standards.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships is a global event, focusing the world’s best athletes and marking the most significant athletics event in the region’s history – and the second of this scale ever held in Poland. It is expected to significantly raise the international profile of both Toruń and the Kujawy Pomorze Region, generating lasting benefits across sport, tourism, promotion and community development.
Arena Toruń was officially opened on 10 August 2014. Depending on the type of event, the venue can accommodate between 5195 seats (in its default sports configuration) and approximately 5705 with extended seating. In addition, the arena can host more than 2000 more spectators using floor seating or standing sections (up to 2800), depending on the setup. The venue is fully accessible and was designed without architectural barriers, allowing for the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports events and competitions.
