India Strengthens Bid to Host World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028 at Kalinga Stadium
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, has taken a decisive step toward hosting the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028, with a high‑level delegation from World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) inspecting facilities at the iconic Kalinga Stadium.
The inspection, chaired by Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, included senior officials such as Sachin R. Jadhav (Sports Secretary, Odisha), Adille J. Sumariwalla (Vice President, World Athletics), Marton Gyulai (Competition & Events Director, World Athletics), Mark Hurst (Head of Bidding, World Athletics), Ravinder Chaudhary (Chairman, AFI Technical Committee), and Vijay Kumar Verma (AFI Bidding Expert).
Odisha showcased its world‑class infrastructure, passionate fan base, and proven track record in hosting international athletics events.
The state successfully organised the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze last year and is set to host the Silver Meet this year.
Officials emphasised that Odisha has emerged as a leading sports hub in India, investing in stadiums across 314 blocks and nurturing top sprinters.
The bid aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to elevate India’s global sporting profile.
The delegation expressed confidence that India could deliver a historic championship, positioning Bhubaneswar as a global destination for athletics.
