India to Host World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar

India has been awarded the hosting rights for the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028, with Bhubaneswar as the venue. This historic decision, approved by the World Athletics Council in Poland, marks India's first time hosting this prestigious event. The Championships, which began in 1985, will see India join Japan, Qatar, and China as the only Asian nations to host. Although India has yet to win a medal at this competition, hosting it is a significant milestone for the country's athletics ambitions. The next Championships will occur in Torun, Poland, with no Indian athletes participating.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 23:56 IST

India Secures Hosting Rights for 2028 Championships

India has officially been granted the rights to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028, with Bhubaneswar set to be the venue for this prestigious event. This decision was made during a meeting of the World Athletics Council held in Torun, Poland, on Thursday.

As reported by Olympics.com, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) submitted the bid earlier this year, aiming to bring this esteemed biennial track and field competition to India for the first time. A two-member delegation from World Athletics inspected the indoor facilities at the Kalinga Stadium Complex in Bhubaneswar in January, ultimately giving the green light for India to host the 22nd edition of the Championships.

A Landmark Event for India

The World Indoor Athletics Championships, organized by World Athletics, first commenced in Paris, France, in 1985. With this event, India will join the ranks of only three other Asian nations—Japan, Qatar, and China—that have previously hosted the Championships.

Significance for Indian Athletics

This Championships is a premier global indoor athletics event that attracts top athletes from around the world. Although India has not yet secured a medal at this competition, hosting it represents a significant achievement for the country's aspirations in athletics.

Upcoming Championships

The next World Indoor Athletics Championships are set to take place in Torun, Poland, starting Friday, although no Indian athletes will be competing. Historically, the United States has dominated this event, amassing a total of 270 medals, including 113 golds, since its inception.