The event takes place between Friday and Saturday at the Palau Vélodromo Luis Puig in Valencia, with the world’s leading athletes from 159 countries competing in 26 events.

 

“We’re confident that Valencia has the facilities to enable competitors to perform at their best and will provide spectators with fantastic opportunities to cheer on the athletes, whose numbers include 21 current world champions,” said Mercedes Coghen, leader of the Madrid 2016 team.

 

“Valencia will provide an unforgettable climax to this season’s indoor season, as well as providing a window to the world that Spain has what it takes to successfully organise and host prestigious sporting tournaments.”

 

The Championships are a complete sell-out and will take place at a newly-improved venue, after the Spanish authorities invested €3.4 million (£2.59 million) to update the Palau Vélodromo Luis Puig’s facilities.

 

Work included installing a new roof and running track; improving the media centre and athletes’ warm-up areas and increasing the venue’s capacity to 6,000 seats.

 

“This year’s Championships demonstrate the Spanish nation’s deep commitment to sport,” said Coghen.

 

“By setting the benchmark for subsequent Championships to follow, we believe that Valencia 2008 will highlight our desire and ability to host Madrid 2016.”

 

Valencia will host the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events in 2016 if the Games are awarded to Madrid.