Bhubaneswar, Jan 21 (.) A high-level delegation from World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Wednesday visited Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium as India intensifies its bid to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028.
The officials toured the Indoor Athletic Centre and other state-of-the-art facilities within the Kalinga Stadium complex.
Odisha Sports Minister Suryavanshi Suraj highlighted the state’s readiness to host international sporting events, citing strong fan support and proven organizational experience.
“After successfully hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze last year, we will conduct the Silver Meet this year. We hope to collaborate with World Athletics and AFI to add this prestigious milestone to our sporting journey,” the minister said.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision, India is keen on bringing the World Indoor Athletics Championships to the country in 2028.
World Athletics President Adille J Sumariwalla praised Bhubaneswar’s infrastructure, hospitality, and sporting culture. “For us, it will be the ideal venue to host the World Indoor Championships,” he said.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Sachin R. Jadhav emphasized Odisha’s leadership in sports development, including investments in stadiums across 314 blocks.
“We are confident in hosting events on an even larger scale and aim to make this global event a historic success through collaboration with World Athletics and AFI,” he added.
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