Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to India’s sporting profile, the country has secured the hosting rights for the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028, with World Athletics announcing the decision at its Council meeting in Toruń, Poland.
The announcement comes just ahead of the 2026 edition of the championships in Toruń, highlighting India’s growing stature in global athletics and its readiness to host premier international events.
Officials said the successful bid was led by the Athletics Federation of India, which had formally expressed its intent earlier this year to bring the prestigious indoor event to the country.
As part of the evaluation process, a delegation from World Athletics visited Bhubaneswar in January to assess the facilities at the Kalinga Stadium. The city’s world-class infrastructure, particularly its indoor sports facilities, is believed to have played a crucial role in securing the hosting rights.
The event will mark a significant milestone for India, as it prepares to host one of the most prestigious competitions in global athletics, bringing top track and field athletes from around the world to Bhubaneswar in 2028.
Officials noted that the development further reinforces Odisha’s emergence as a leading hub for international sporting events in the country.
