European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov has hailed the success of Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships on 6-9 March as setting new standards for the sport.
Every session across four days of athletics was played out to capacity crowds, with tickets sold out months in advance. Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was among the enthralled audience for the final evening on Sunday which saw the host nation win an incredible five gold medals to top the medal table with seven gold and two silver.
Dobromir Karamarinov said: "These championships have been truly exceptional, and I dare say they’ve been the best ever. Apeldoorn 2025 has set a new benchmark for indoor athletics, highlighting the sport's growing popularity and the dedication of everyone involved.
“We witnessed outstanding performances from both the Dutch team and European athletes, while the electrifying atmosphere in the Omnisport Arena was felt throughout every moment.
“Congratulations to Apeldoorn 2025, and heartfelt thanks to all who made this incredible event possible."
Meanwhile, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Project Leader Amy Kortbeek commented: "The overwhelming response from fans and stakeholders underscores the hard work and commitment of our team. We're proud to have delivered an unforgettable experience for everyone."
Pieke de Zwart, General Director of the Dutch Athletics Federation also looked back very positively. He said: "With the fantastic organization of the European Indoor Championships 2025 in Apeldoorn, the unparalleled performances of our athletes, and an ecstatic crowd, it is once again confirmed that Dutch athletics is an example of ultimate sports experience."
Christian Milz, CEO, European Athletics said: “Apeldoorn 2025 gave us an incredible event experience within the Omnisport Arena, but just as importantly, it gave us a platform to help us grow the wider audience of athletics.
“The European Athletics website, including live streams, had over 860,000 users during the week, which more than three times bigger than Istanbul 2023 European Athletics Indoor Championships.
“Our social media platforms also grew by more than 25,000 followers, proving that our strategic priority of digitalisation and innovation is growing our sport, reaching and engaging new audiences with our incredible sport.”
Through European Athletics' broadcast partners EBU, the championships were also televised in 35 countries across Europe.
Baton passes to Valencia 2027
The next edition of the European Athletics Indoor Championships will take place in Valencia on 4-7 March 2027.
It will be the fifth time Spain has played host, including its predecessor the European Indoor Games (1966-1969) and will mark the second occasion the city has hosted the event, following the successful 1998 championships.
Representatives from Valencia 2027 LOC and the Spanish Federation accepted the baton in an official ceremony to close Apeldoorn 2025.