Bhubaneswar Set to Host World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Event
Exciting Opportunities for Athletes in Bhubaneswar
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is optimistic about the upcoming World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event scheduled for August 10 in Bhubaneswar, viewing it as a prime chance for athletes to earn valuable ranking points.
This competition, boasting a prize pool of $25,000, will feature participants from over 15 nations. AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo shared this information during a press briefing held on Wednesday.
“Athletes from more than 15 countries will compete in Bhubaneswar this weekend,” Sagoo stated.
India will present a formidable squad of 90 athletes, including national record holder Animesh Kujur and middle-distance runner Mohammad Afsal. Additionally, promising javelin thrower Sachin Yadav, who achieved a personal best of 85.16m at the Asian Athletics Championships, will also participate.
However, two-time Olympic medalist and javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra will not be attending the event as he is currently training overseas.
“Neeraj Chopra is in Europe preparing for the World Championships,” Sagoo explained.
As per AFI president, the disciplines for this weekend's global competition in Bhubaneswar were selected in accordance with World Athletics guidelines.
“It is essential to include at least one throwing and one jumping event in the one-day meeting schedule. The competition must encompass a minimum of 12 disciplines, with five dedicated to women. Some events were omitted due to the two-hour and 30-minute limit set by World Athletics for the one-day Continental Tour,” the AFI president noted.
Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, the Commissioner and Secretary of Sports for the Government of Odisha, which is co-hosting the event, confirmed that all preparations for a successful event have been finalized. “Odisha has the necessary infrastructure to host international events. Following the successful execution of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze, our next ambition is to host either Silver or Gold level competitions,” he remarked.