Bhubaneswar is gearing up to host the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships, paving the way for athletes to gear up for the 2028 World Indoor Athletics event. The Championships, starting at Kalinga Stadium, mark a significant milestone for Indian athletics, according to Bahadur Singh Sagoo, President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
Sagoo expressed that the competition, with 278 entries, including 97 female athletes, will inspire a new era in Indian athletics. The two-day event, featuring both young talents and seasoned athletes, will provide a platform to showcase skills on the 200m indoor track.
Animesh Kujur, a promising sprinter from Odisha, is eager to exhibit his speed in the 60m dash, aiming for a strong start to the 2026 season. Kujur, the national outdoor record holder in the 100m/200m, is thrilled to compete in his first indoor event on home turf.
Praveen Chithravel, India’s national outdoor record holder in men’s triple jump, brings a wealth of experience from competing in indoor events across Europe and Asia. Chithravel, set to participate in the men’s long jump in Bhubaneswar, highlighted the electrifying atmosphere of indoor competitions, emphasizing the enhanced connection with fans and self-confidence boost.
Veddula Vijay, Odisha’s Director of Sports, lauded the indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium as a valuable asset for athletes, providing a conducive environment for year-round training. The Championships will kick off with the men’s 3,000m track race, featuring both senior and U20 categories, and will conclude the following day.
