Odisha, India, has been chosen to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028, marking a significant milestone in India’s sporting journey. This decision was made during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting in Torun, Poland. The event is scheduled to take place from March 3-5, 2028, and it will be the first time India hosts a global track and field championship.
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan expressed his excitement about this development, emphasizing that it showcases India’s rising prominence on the international sports stage. He described it as a crucial step forward in India’s Olympic aspirations and overall sports landscape. Dhawan highlighted the growth of India as a global sporting destination, particularly noting the significance of hosting the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.
The World Athletics Council members visited Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Indoor Stadium in Odisha earlier this year and were impressed with the facilities. Odisha has emerged as a key hub for track and field events in India, having successfully hosted various domestic and international competitions in recent years. The state hosted the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships at the Kalinga Stadium and organized the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Level Competition in Bhubaneswar last year, attracting athletes from around the world.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed pride in the selection of Odisha as the host for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships. He thanked World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India for their trust in Odisha’s capabilities to organize such a prestigious global event. Majhi highlighted Odisha’s commitment to promoting sports as a key aspect of its development agenda, aiming to foster a vibrant sporting culture and inspire future generations of athletes across India.
