The World Athletics Council has designated Odisha, India, as the host for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028. The decision was made during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting in Torun, Poland, which took place just prior to the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26. In addition to Odisha, Astana, Kazakhstan, has been selected to host the championships in 2030. The announcement was highlighted in a statement from World Athletics.

Among the other significant decisions made during the two-day meeting, the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships were awarded to Hefei, China, for the 2028 edition. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe welcomed the Council to Torun, emphasizing Poland’s long-standing tradition in athletics and its history of producing Olympic champions and record-holders. He expressed enthusiasm over the selection of Odisha and Astana as hosts for the upcoming championships, highlighting the initiative to expand athletics events into emerging markets.

Significance for India and Odisha’s Athletic Development

The forthcoming World Indoor Championships in 2028 will mark India’s first hosting of a global track and field championship, scheduled from March 3 to 5. Odisha has previously hosted significant events such as the Asian Championships in 2017 and has also held a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting, reinforcing its capacity to manage international sporting events.

Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed pride in the opportunity to host this prestigious event, acknowledging the commitment of the state to nurturing sports as a crucial component of its development strategy. He thanked World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India for their confidence in Odisha’s ability to organize the championships. He highlighted that Odisha’s investments in sports infrastructure and athlete development programs over the past decade have established the state as a hub for international sports events.

Astana on Track to Host the 2030 Championships

The 2030 World Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from March 15 to 17. Astana has been proactive in hosting athletics events, including the Asian Indoor Championships in 2023 and upcoming World Indoor Tour Gold meetings in 2024 and 2025. Askhat Khasenov, President of the Kazakhstan Athletics Federation, conveyed gratitude for the trust placed in Kazakhstan, viewing this hosting opportunity as a testament to the country’s commitment to developing athletics.

Khasenov assured that the Astana Athletics Federation is dedicated to organizing the championships at the highest standard, with the aim of creating a remarkable experience for the international athletics community.

China to Host World Race Walking Team Championships in 2028

Separately, Hefei, located in Anhui Province, China, will host the World Race Walking Team Championships on April 9, 2028. This event follows a series of World Athletics Series competitions scheduled in various Chinese cities over the next four years, maintaining a steady flow of athletics events in the region. Hefei, known for its fast growth and substantial population of 10 million, is recognized as a key economic center in Eastern China.

Sun Yuanfu, President of the Chinese Athletics Association, expressed appreciation for the recognition received from World Athletics and emphasized a collaborative approach between the Hefei organizing committee and the association to ensure a successful championships. The association plans to utilize the city’s unique attributes to enhance the athlete experience and the overall execution of the event.

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