Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to make history as it prepares to host the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze Level) for the first time at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on August 10, 2025. Announcing this at a press conference on Saturday, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the event marks a proud milestone for the state’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international sports.
More than 150 elite athletes from over 10 countries, including India, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Iraq, Vietnam, Republic of Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Iran, and the Maldives, are expected to compete in 20 track and field events during the one-day competition.
“This is a proud moment for Odisha. Hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour reflects our strong commitment to promoting sporting excellence. From state-of-the-art infrastructure to quality hospitality, we are ensuring that every aspect of the tournament meets international standards,” said Minister Suraj.
He added that Odisha has consistently set new benchmarks in hosting global sporting events and that the upcoming athletics meet would further boost the state’s sporting profile. “Our athletes have already made us proud at national and international levels. I am confident they will shine in this competition as well,” he said.
Sandeep Mehta, Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of India, praised Odisha’s sporting ecosystem and said, “We are delighted to bring the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze Level) to India, and Odisha provides the ideal platform to showcase world-class talent. This promises to be a thrilling event for sports fans.”
