India has been awarded the hosting rights for the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028, marking the first time the prestigious global event will be staged in the country.
The announcement was made by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe during the Council meeting in Torun, Poland. Bhubaneswar, Odisha has been selected as the host city, with the Kalinga Indoor Stadium set to be the main venue.
The decision is seen as a major milestone for Indian athletics, reflecting the nation’s growing stature in international sports. Odisha, which has already hosted major hockey and athletics events, will now prepare to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, and fans from across the world.
Officials highlighted that the event will provide Indian athletes with exposure to world-class competition at home, while also boosting tourism and the local economy. The championships are expected to leave a lasting legacy for sports infrastructure in the region.
India’s hosting of the 2028 edition will be followed by Kazakhstan’s Astana staging the 2030 championships, as part of World Athletics’ long-term global expansion strategy.
