The 2015 IAFF World Championships is just a couple of days away. The nine-day is all set to start from 22 August. Athletes from around the world will be seen in action for the prestigious track and field events at the Bird's Nest in Beijing, which also hosted the 2008 Beijing Games.
There are 24 different disciplines in the men's competition and 23 in women's. Here is a look at some of the key events.
Men's Events
100m
This event has always been one of the most watched in the world and the competition in the men's 100m is going to be top notch this time around, with Usain Bolt defending his title against some equally good runners such as Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin. It may be recalled that Gatlin was one of the most impressive runners in the Diamond League. Bolt may have been suffering from injuries, but the Jamaican continues to be a huge favourite.
Click here to read more about Usain Bolt vs Justin Gatlin
Date – 22 August (12:40pm local time) and 23 August (12pm local time)
200m
In this category as well, both Gatlin and Bolt will go head-to-head against each other for the prestigious gold medal, while runners from other countries will also want to win the crown.
Date – 25 August(7:30pm local time), 26 August (8:30pm), 27 August (8:55pm)
Shot Put
The event will witness some of the strongest men fight for the gold medal. Two serious contenders for the title are Germany's David Storl and Joe Kovacs from the US. They were in impeccable form during the Diamond League and the fight is expected to be a close one. It could go either way, but expect a strong enough competition from fellow American Christian Cantwell as well.
Date – 23 August
Time – 10:05 local time (qualifications) and 7:30pm local time (final)
Long Jump
American Jeff Henderson, who has been in good form this year with a best jump of 8.52, will face stiff competition from fellow American Marquis Dendy for the gold medal.
Date and Time -24 (10am local time) and 25 August (7:25pm local time)
Women's Events
Discus Throw
One will be shocked if Croatia's Sandra Perkovic fails to win another gold medal in the event, for she has been dominating the event in the last couple of years. However, Denia Caballero, who is expected to come up with a good fight against the Croatian, has been impressive this year with a best throw of 70.65m.
Date: 24 and 25 August (Final at 7pm local time)
Pole Vault
An event, which has been dominated by Yelena Isinbayeva, will see Yarisley Silva start as a favourite, while Jennifer Suhr from the US might spring a surprise.
Date: 24 (Qualification) and 26 August (Final)
Qualification starts at 9:30am local time, while the finals has been slated for 7pm.
High Jump
This event is expected to be one of the most entertaining at the world championships with a number of stars aiming for the gold medal. The Russia duo of Anna Chicherova and Maria Kuchina are top performers this season, apart from Spain's Ruth Beitia.
Date: 27 August (9:35am local time) and 29 August (6:30pm local time)
*All the timings given above for various events are subject to change without any notification here. For day to day schedule of the 2015 World Championships, click here.
