Bhubaneswar: The 62nd Inter-State Athletic Championship has commenced today at the Kalinga Stadium. Eminent athlete and President of Indian Olympic Association, PT Usha declared the event open.
“I am delighted that Odisha Government is organising this event. This event is very important for our athletes as it is a qualification for Asian Games. I wish the participants the very best,” said PT Usha.
Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Tusharkanti Behera said, “I am extremely proud and excited that Odisha is hosting the 62nd National Inter State Senior Athletics Championship 2023, at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. It is our way of promoting sports and providing a platform for the sporting talent of our state & country. It allows athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.”
Wishing the athletes he said, “Odisha government is fully committed to ensuring the smooth conduct of these events and providing the best possible facilities and support to the participating athletes.”
The anticipation has been high as the finest athletes from across India congregate to compete for glory and national recognition. The athletes will not only be competing for individual triumphs and state pride but also to assert themselves as contenders for three major international events, the upcoming biannual Asian Athletic Championship, the World Championship and the Asian Games in September.
Following the opening and Day 1 medal ceremony, the legendary sprinter was accompanied by Sport and Youth Services, Secretary, Vineel Krishna to visit the upcoming Indoor Athletics Stadium, which upon completion would be India’s first ever indoor athletics stadium.