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Odisha to Host 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Historic First

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi received the ceremonial World Athletics flag, formally marking the state's hosting of the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships. The event, to be held in Bhubaneswar from March 3-5, 2028, will be the first time India hosts a global track and field championship. The hosting rights were officially announced in Poland by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. This prestigious event is seen as an opportunity to showcase India's growing sporting ecosystem and organizational capabilities on the world stage.

Key Points: Odisha to Host 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships

  • India's first global track & field championship
  • Flag handover at Kalinga Stadium
  • Event scheduled for March 3-5, 2028
  • Showcases India's sporting infrastructure
2 min read

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi receives World Athletics flag from Suryavanshi Suraj

Odisha CM receives World Athletics flag, marking India's first time hosting the global indoor track and field championship in Bhubaneswar in 2028.

"this is more than an event--it is a moment of legacy - Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, April 4

Odisha's Minister of Sports & Youth Services Suryavanshi Suraj today presented the ceremonial World Athletics flag to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Kalinga Stadium, marking a proud moment for the state reflecting its readiness to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in the city in 2028.

The 2028 World Indoor Championships will see India host a global track and field championship for the first time, from 3 to 5 March 2028.

The ceremonial flag was presented to Ravinder Choudhry of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and Sports Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia in Poland, symbolising the official handover of hosting responsibilities to India, according to a release.

After receiving the flag, the CM said that this is more than an event--it is a moment of legacy. As the countdown to 2028 begins, the flag stands as a symbol of ambition, pride, and a promise to the world--that India & Odisha are ready.

In a defining moment for Indian sports, the hosting rights for the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028 were formally announced in Poland by Sebastian Coe, marking Odisha's arrival on the global athletics stage. The events were awarded during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting held in Torun, Poland, ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy-Pomerania '26.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships is among the most prestigious events in global track and field, bringing together elite athletes from across the world to compete at the highest level under indoor conditions. Its arrival in Odisha is not just an opportunity to host, but to showcase India's growing sporting ecosystem, infrastructure, and organisational excellence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great news, but I hope this leads to more investment in grassroots athletics across the state. We have so much talent in rural Odisha that needs proper training facilities. The legacy should be more than just a 3-day event.
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Arjun K
Odisha has been quietly building a sports hub in Bhubaneswar. From hockey to athletics, the infrastructure is impressive. Well done to the state government and AFI for bringing this home. 2028 can't come soon enough!
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Sarah B
As an athletics fan living abroad, this is exciting! India hosting a World Athletics championship is a big step. I hope the local organizing committee focuses on sustainability and leaves a positive impact on the community.
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Vikram M
The CM is right, it's a moment of legacy. But the real test is in the execution. We must ensure this event inspires millions of young Indians to take up track and field, not just be a photo-op for politicians. Fingers crossed for a great show!
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Nikhil C
Fantastic! This is the kind of positive news we need. Odisha has shown it can host big events. Now, let's hope our Indian athletes get enough support to also win medals on home ground in 2028. #GoIndia

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