Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to welcome international athletes as it hosts the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze competition for the first time at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium on August 10, 2025. With just days to go, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited the venue on Wednesday to review preparations and ensure readiness for the landmark global event.
“This is a matter of immense pride for Odisha,” said Minister Suraj during the site inspection. “We are fully prepared to organize this event successfully and are committed to providing a world-class experience for participating athletes and spectators.”
In the review meeting held at the stadium, officials discussed key logistical arrangements, including sporting infrastructure, hospitality, and security protocols. The Minister stressed the importance of meticulous planning to manage crowd flow, ensure athlete safety, and coordinate police deployment. “Every administrative detail is being carefully worked out to ensure smooth conduct of the event,” he added.
The upcoming competition is expected to see the participation of over 200 athletes from 19 countries, competing in 20 track and field events, marking a major milestone in Odisha’s growing legacy as a sporting powerhouse.
Shri Suraj also voiced optimism about the performance of homegrown talent, stating, “I am confident that Odisha’s athletes will once again make the state proud on this global stage.”
The review meeting was attended by key officials, including Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department; Dr. Yeddula Vijay, Director, Sports and Youth Services Department; Narasingha Bhol, Additional Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar; Deepankar Mahapatra, CEO, Hockey Promotion Council, Odisha; and Additional Secretaries Bijay Kumar Swain and Ashok Kumar Panda.
