Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 30: Odisha will script history in 2028, becoming the first Indian venue to host a global track and field championship in World Athletics’ 115-year history. The Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium in Bhubaneswar — India’s first and only indoor stadium of its kind — will stage the World Athletics Indoor Championships from March 3 to 5, 2028.
The hosting rights were confirmed at the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting held in Toruń, Poland, where Odisha was chosen alongside Astana, Kazakhstan, which will host the 2030 edition. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the decision as part of the federation’s strategy to take marquee events to emerging sporting markets.
Announcing the development, Odisha Sports Minister Suryavanshi Suraj said the state is honoured to host India’s first World Indoor Athletics Championships, calling it a landmark moment for Indian sport. “This is a proud moment for Odisha and for the country. It reflects our sustained investment in world-class sporting infrastructure and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes,” the Minister said.
The championships mark a significant milestone for Odisha, which has steadily built its credentials as a global sporting destination. The state successfully hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 and has previously staged a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting. World Athletics Vice-President Adille J. Sumariwalla noted that the event will offer invaluable exposure to Indian athletes and coaches, allowing them to compete and train alongside the world’s best.
A Resolve for a Drug-Free Youth
The announcement coincided with National Sports Day, on which Odisha renewed its commitment to a drug-free youth — an initiative in step with the Prime Minister’s vision for a healthier, more disciplined young India. Officials said the state’s sporting push and its anti-drug campaign go hand in hand, with indoor sports infrastructure like the Kalinga Stadium seen as a key tool to channel youth energy towards athletics and away from substance abuse.
“Sport is one of our strongest instruments to keep our youth away from drugs. As we prepare to welcome the world to Odisha in 2028, we also reaffirm our resolve to build a healthier, drug-free generation,” the Minister added.
With the countdown now on for 2028, Odisha’s twin focus — building world-class sporting infrastructure and safeguarding the well-being of its youth — positions the state at the forefront of India’s sporting and social transformation.
