India to Host World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028: A Historic Moment

India is set to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028, a historic first for the nation. Adille J Sumariwalla, vice-president of World Athletics, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the benefits for athletes and coaches who will gain invaluable insights from observing elite competitors. The event will take place at the Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium, India's only indoor venue, from March 3-5, 2028. This milestone is expected to inspire the country's youth and enhance the development of athletics in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 10:09 IST

India's Historic Hosting of World Athletics Indoor Championships

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], March 25: Adille J Sumariwalla, the vice-president of World Athletics, expressed his pride in India's selection to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028. He highlighted that this event is a significant achievement for the nation and will provide athletes and coaches with the opportunity to observe some of the world's top competitors up close.

During the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting in Torun, Poland, it was announced that Odisha, India, and Astana, Kazakhstan, will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028 and 2030, respectively. This decision was made ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, as detailed in a press release from World Athletics.

In an interview, Sumariwalla noted that the Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium is India's sole indoor facility, making this event a landmark occasion for the country, which has never previously hosted either indoor or outdoor athletics championships in the 115-year history of World Athletics.

He stated, “This stadium represents India’s first and only indoor venue. It is a moment of pride for both India and Odisha as we prepare for our inaugural championship. In the entire history of World Athletics, we have not hosted any championships, whether indoor or outdoor.”

Sumariwalla emphasized that India is increasingly viewed as a key destination by global sports organizations. He stressed the importance of such events for the youth of the country, allowing them to gain firsthand experience and insights into the routines of elite athletes.

“With seven hundred million young people under the age of 25, it is crucial to support them for national progress. Events like these will inspire them as they witness world champions, Olympians, and record-holders in action. They will learn about diet, fitness, coaching, and warm-up routines directly, rather than just through screens. Such experiences will enhance the performance of our athletes and coaches, as not everyone has the chance to compete in major events abroad,” he added.

The 2028 World Indoor Championships will mark India's first hosting of a global track and field championship, scheduled for March 3-5, 2028. Odisha, located on the Bay of Bengal, previously hosted the Asian Championships in 2017 and has also been the venue for a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting.