India to Host World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028

A Historic Moment for Indian Athletics

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 emphasized 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.

Championship Locations Announced

The World Athletics Council has designated Odisha, India, and Astana, Kazakhstan, as the venues for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028 and 2030, respectively. This decision was made during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting in Torun, Poland, prior to the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26.

'A Proud Moment for India': Sumariwalla

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

"This stadium is India's first and only indoor venue. It is a proud moment for both India and Odisha as we prepare for our inaugural championship. We have not hosted any athletics championships in the past 115 years of World Athletics' existence," he stated.

Encouraging Young Athletes and Coaches

Sumariwalla remarked that India is increasingly recognized as a key destination by global sports organizations. He stressed the significance of such events for the youth of the country, emphasizing the need to provide athletes with firsthand experiences of elite sports routines.

"With seven hundred million young people under the age of 25, it is crucial to support them. Events like these will inspire them as they witness world champions, Olympians, and record-holders in action. They will gain insights into diet, fitness, coaching, and warm-up routines that they previously only saw on screens. Such experiences will enhance the performance of our athletes and coaches, as not everyone has the chance to compete in major events abroad. We cannot progress without these close-up experiences," he added.

Event Schedule and Odisha's Athletic Legacy

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