The inaugural edition of the National Indoor Athletics Championships is set to begin on Tuesday at Kalinga Stadium, signalling a new chapter for Indian athletics, said Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president, Bahadur Singh Sagoo.
“Competitors are excited to add this new event to their athletic profiles,” he said during an interactive session with the media on Monday.
This first edition of the National Indoor Championships has attracted 278 entries, including 97 female athletes, and is expected to catalyse future competitions, according to Sagoo. “This two-day indoor event, featuring both young and experienced athletes, will provide an excellent platform to test their skills on the 200m indoor track,” he added.
Odisha’s rising international sprinter, Animesh Kujur, is eager to showcase his explosive speed in the 60m dash and looks forward to a strong start to the 2026 competitive season. “I’m excited to compete in my first indoor event, especially here in my home state,” said Kujur, who holds national outdoor records in the 100m and 200m.
Praveen Chithravel, India’s national outdoor record holder in the men’s triple jump, brings extensive experience to this competition, having participated in various indoor events across Europe and Asia. He will compete in the men’s long jump in Bhubaneswar. “The atmosphere at indoor competitions is electrifying,” Chithravel noted. “The compact indoor arena allows athletes to connect more with fans and boosts their self-confidence.”
Odisha’s Director of Sports, Yeddula Vijay, described the indoor facility in Bhubaneswar as a tremendous advantage for athletes. “The indoor arena at Kalinga Stadium, managed by the Odisha government, offers athletes the opportunity to train in all-weather conditions,” he remarked.
The first medal event on the opening day, Tuesday, will be the men’s 3,000m track race, conducted in both senior and U20 age groups. The competition will conclude on Wednesday.
