National Indoor Athletics Championships Debut in Bhubaneswar | 278 Athletes Compete at Kalinga Stadium
Bhubaneswar, March 23: The Kalinga Stadium has made history by hosting India’s first National Indoor Athletics Championships, a landmark event that signals a new era for the country’s sporting infrastructure.
A total of 278 athletes, including 97 women, are competing across senior and U20 categories.
Among the star participants are Odisha sprinter Animesh Kujur, national outdoor record holder in the 100m and 200m, who will test his speed in the 60m dash, and Praveen Chithravel, India’s triple jump record holder, who brings international indoor experience to the men’s long jump.
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President Bahadur Singh Sagoo hailed the meet as a milestone that will expand athlete profiles and boost future competitions.
Odisha’s Director of Sports emphasised the indoor facility’s role in enabling year‑round training, regardless of weather conditions.
The championships promise a compact, electrifying atmosphere, enhancing athlete‑fan engagement.
The first medal event, the men’s 3,000m race, is scheduled for Tuesday, with the competition concluding on Wednesday.
This debut underscores Odisha’s growing reputation as a hub for sports excellence and India’s commitment to modernising athletics.
