Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that Odisha will host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028, marking a significant milestone in the state’s emergence as a global sporting destination.
Expressing pride over the development, Majhi said the event will showcase Odisha’s passion for sports, organisational capabilities, and hospitality to a global audience. “The world will witness Odisha’s love for sports as we welcome athletes and fans from across the globe,” he said.
The hosting rights were awarded to India by World Athletics, with the event scheduled to be held in Odisha from March 3 to 5, 2028. This will be the first time India hosts a global indoor track and field championship, and the event returns to the country after a gap of over two decades.
Majhi described the development as a reflection of Odisha’s growing stature in international sports. He also acknowledged the support of Narendra Modi in strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem.
The chief minister thanked Athletics Federation of India and World Athletics for entrusting Odisha with the responsibility of hosting one of the sport’s marquee global events.
The championship will feature 26 events—13 each for men and women—spanning disciplines such as sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps, throws, and combined events. Notably, the mixed 4x400m relay is set to debut at the indoor championships format.
Highlighting the state’s sustained focus on sports, Majhi said Odisha has, over the past decade, invested significantly in infrastructure, athlete development, and high-performance systems. These efforts have helped position the state as a preferred venue for major international competitions, including the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup.
Calling it a proud moment for both Odisha and the country, Majhi said the event would further elevate India’s standing in global athletics.
