India eyes first-ever hosting of Asian athletics events
In a major stride toward establishing itself as a global hub for athletics, India has formally applied to host two prestigious continental events the 2026 Asian Relays and the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships. If approved, this will mark the first time India hosts either of these Asian-level competitions, reflecting the country’s growing ambition to organize top-tier international sporting events in the coming decade.
According to the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Bhubaneswar has been proposed as the host city for the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, while the venue for the 2026 Asian Relays will be finalized soon. “We are submitting Bhubaneswar’s bid along with the proposal to host the 2028 Asian Indoor Championships. Apart from the Kalinga Stadium Complex, no other facility in the country currently meets the technical and infrastructure standards required for an indoor athletics event of this scale,” a senior AFI official said.
For the 2026 Asian Relays, scheduled to be held in April 2026, AFI officials said a North Indian city is under consideration, though no final decision has been made yet. The federation may revise its proposal after internal consultations and site evaluations.
World-Class Facility in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium Complex, already known as one of India’s premier multi-sport venues, now houses a world-class indoor athletics facility inaugurated in 2024. The complex includes a 200-metre synthetic running track, a 100-metre practice track, dedicated areas for long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and shot put, as well as athlete warm-up zones and a modern gymnasium.
The oval-shaped arena can seat around 2,000 spectators, and its athlete accommodation block offers 60 twin-sharing rooms and a dining hall, making it suitable for hosting large-scale international competitions. The AFI believes the venue meets all standards set by the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) and the World Athletics governing bodies.
India’s Recent Achievements at Asian Level
India’s athletics performance has seen steady growth in recent years, particularly in continental competitions. The first Asian Relays were held in May 2024 in Bangkok, where India produced an impressive performance winning gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and silver medals in both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays.
The Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, held once every two years, began in 2004 in Tehran, Iran, which has hosted the event four times the most by any nation. The latest edition took place in Tehran in 2024, where India recorded one of its best-ever performances with three gold and one silver medal.
Among the standout Indian athletes were:
• Tajinderpal Singh Toor, gold in men’s shot put,
• Jyothi Yarraji, gold in women’s 60m hurdles,
• Harmilan Bains, gold in women’s 1500m, and
• Ankita Dhyani, silver in women’s 3000m.
Their achievements further boosted India’s confidence in pursuing major hosting opportunities in athletics.
Future Hosting Ambitions
The AFI and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have signaled a broader strategy to position India as a future host of global athletics competitions. India has already expressed official interest in hosting the 2028 World Under-20 Championships and either the 2029 or 2031 Senior World Athletics Championships.
This vision aligns with India’s increasing investment in infrastructure and sports science, as seen in the successful organization of events such as the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi (where India performed notably in relays) and the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar (2017).
Hosting the 2026 Asian Relays and 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, experts say, would serve as a major test of India’s readiness to organize events of global magnitude.
Boost for Indian Athletics
Sports administrators believe that winning the hosting rights would bring multiple benefits — including enhanced infrastructure, exposure for athletes, and a push for grassroots development in athletics. “India has demonstrated its capability to host major international events like the Hockey World Cup and the U-17 Football World Cup. Hosting continental athletics championships will be another milestone in our journey toward becoming a global sports destination,” said a senior sports ministry official.
With the Kalinga Stadium Complex already recognized internationally for its modern facilities, and cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow improving their sports infrastructure, India is well placed to step up as a reliable venue for the Asian Athletics Association.
The Road Ahead
The Asian Athletics Association is expected to announce the host cities for upcoming events, including the 2026 Asian Relays, early next year after evaluating the bids. The decision on the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships is likely to follow later in 2026.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Tianjin, China, which will host the 2026 edition of the Asian Indoor Championships from February 6 to 8, 2026.
If India’s proposals are approved, the country will join a select group of Asian nations — including China, Iran, and Thailand — that have hosted both indoor and relay events at the continental level.
With its robust bid, state-of-the-art facilities, and a track record of organizing major sporting events, India’s entry into the Asian Indoor and Relays circuit marks a defining moment for the nation’s athletics ambitions.