National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship 2026 Kicks Off at Kalinga Stadium

Bhubaneswar: Odisha once again strengthened its reputation as one of India’s leading sporting destinations as the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship 2026 got underway at Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday, bringing together some of the country’s finest athletes in a key qualification event for the upcoming Asian Games.

The five-day championship is being jointly organised by the Athletics Federation of India and the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha. The event was formally inaugurated by Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in the presence of senior sports administrators and officials.

Addressing the gathering, the minister welcomed athletes from across the country and highlighted Odisha’s growing stature in Indian sports through sustained investment in world-class infrastructure and athlete development. He expressed confidence that the championship would further elevate the state’s standing as a preferred destination for major national and international sporting events.

The championship carries added significance this year as performances at the event will play a crucial role in determining qualification for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

A total of around 630 athletes, including 342 men and 288 women representing 27 states and Union Territories, are competing across 45 medal events in track and field disciplines. The competition includes sprint and distance races, hurdles, high jump, long jump, javelin throw and several other athletics categories.

Haryana has fielded the largest contingent with 70 participants, while host state Odisha is represented by 28 athletes, including 12 women competitors.

Several prominent athletes from Odisha are in action during the championship, including javelin thrower Kishore Jena and sprinters Sravani Nanda, Animesh Kujur, Lalu Prasad Bhoi, Pragyan Prasanti Sahu, and Sabita Toppo, raising expectations of strong performances before the home crowd.

Among those present at the inauguration were Dr. Lalit Kumar Bhanot, President of the South Asian Athletics Federation; Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department; Sports Director Dr. Yeddula Vijay; and Odisha Olympic Association President Abhijit Paul.

The championship will continue until June 28 and is expected to showcase elite athletic performances while serving as an important platform for India’s preparations ahead of the continental sporting event.