World Athletics Day 2025 was celebrated globally on May 7 to promote physical fitness, encourage youth participation in athletics, and raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle through sports. Initiated by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) — now known as World Athletics — this annual observance aims to build a strong sporting culture across nations, especially among the younger generation.

• Significance: World Athletics Day serves as a reminder of the importance of physical activity in maintaining mental and physical health. It encourages sports culture, health awareness, and physical activity among youth, aiming to identify young talent and provide a platform for nurturing potential athletes. 
• Theme: The theme for World Athletics Day 2025 is "Relay Around the World Challenge," emphasizing global unity and collective participation in athletics. This initiative encourages individuals worldwide to engage in a relay, symbolizing the interconnectedness of communities through sport. 
• Inception and Purpose: World Athletics Day was first observed in 1996, introduced under the leadership of Primo Nebiolo, the then-president of IAAF. The day aims to foster interest in athletics among school and college students, promoting youth participation in track and field events and spreading awareness about physical fitness.