India to Host 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships
In a landmark victory for Indian sports, the World Athletics Council has officially named Bhubaneswar as the host city for the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships. Announced on Thursday during a high-profile council meeting in Torun, Poland, this decision marks the first time India will host this elite global indoor event, signaling a new era for track and field in the country.
The awarding of the hosting rights serves as a testament to India’s rapid infrastructure development and its growing stature within the international athletic community.
World Athletics Council Greenlights India’s Landmark Bid
The official confirmation came from World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla, who represented India at the council meeting held just a day before the 2026 World Indoor Championships. The successful bid was the culmination of a strategic push by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to bring world-class indoor competition to the subcontinent.
The council’s decision followed a rigorous evaluation process. India’s readiness was underscored by the presence of top Odisha government officials in Poland, demonstrating the strong administrative backing behind the proposal.
High-Level Inspection of the Kalinga Stadium Complex
The path to this victory was paved in January 2026, when a dedicated two-member delegation from World Athletics conducted a comprehensive site visit to Bhubaneswar. The team inspected the state-of-the-art indoor facility at the Kalinga Stadium Complex, which was inaugurated in 2024.
The delegation was reportedly impressed by the facility’s adherence to global standards, including its specialised track surfaces and athlete-centric design. This inspection was the final hurdle in proving that India could provide a world-class environment for the world’s best athletes.
