India to host 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships in major sporting milestone

India has secured the hosting rights for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships, marking a significant achievement in the country’s sporting journey and its growing global stature in athletics. The decision was announced following a meeting of the World Athletics Council, positioning India as a key destination for international track and field events.

Adille Sumariwalla, vice-president of World Athletics, welcomed the development and expressed confidence in India’s readiness to organise an event of such magnitude. He highlighted that the country has developed world-class infrastructure in recent years, particularly pointing to facilities in Bhubaneswar that meet international standards for indoor competitions.

The championships are scheduled to take place in Odisha from March 3 to 5, 2028, making it the first time India will host a global indoor athletics event. The state has emerged as a prominent sporting hub, with venues such as the Kalinga Stadium playing a central role in hosting major national and international competitions.

Officials credited strong government backing and continuous investment in sports infrastructure as key reasons behind India’s successful bid. Odisha’s consistent focus on sports development has further strengthened the country’s reputation as a reliable host for global tournaments.

The event is expected to attract top athletes from across the world, offering Indian fans a rare opportunity to witness elite indoor athletics competition on home soil. It is also likely to provide a major boost to athletics in the country by inspiring young talent and increasing grassroots participation. With this announcement, India continues its push to establish itself as a global sporting powerhouse, using international events to enhance its sporting ecosystem and global visibility.