The vibrant city of Bhubaneswar is poised to become a powerhouse of young athletic talent as it hosts the 40th National Junior Athletics Championship at the iconic Kalinga Stadium.
Organised with the collaborative efforts of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the Odisha Athletics Association, and the Sports and Youth Services Department of the Government of Odisha, the event promises high-octane competition and inspiring performances.
Running from October 10 to 14, 2025, the championship will draw approximately 2,000 athletes from various states nationwide, all vying for glory in a spectrum of track and field events. Odisha itself will field a strong contingent of 75 athletes—38 males and 37 females—ready to represent their home turf with fervour. Haryana leads the participant tally with 147 athletes, underscoring the event’s national appeal and competitive depth, as revealed during a press conference held today.
The multi-day spectacle coincides with another marquee event, the 28th Asian Table Tennis Teams Championship, scheduled from October 11 to 15 at the same venue. This dual hosting of national and international tournaments highlights Bhubaneswar’s rising stature as a premier sports destination.
Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, addressed the gathering with evident pride. “The 40th National Junior Athletics Championship will be held from October 10 to 14. Alongside this, the 28th Asian Table Tennis Teams Championship will also be hosted at Kalinga Stadium from November 11 to 15. Organising both national and international sporting events simultaneously is indeed a matter of pride and honour for all of us. I am confident that the participating athletes will deliver outstanding performances and bring glory through their achievements.”
Jadhav also reflected on Odisha’s recent triumphs, noting the state’s successful execution of the World Continental Tour event at Kalinga Stadium just two months ago in August. “With the successful conduct of several national and international tournaments, Odisha has carved a distinct identity in the global sports arena,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Adille Sumariwalla, a key figure from the Athletics Federation of India, lauded Odisha’s contributions to Indian sports. “Odisha has emerged as a leading hub for sports in India. We are confident that the 40th National Junior Athletics Championship will also be conducted successfully and set new benchmarks of excellence.”
As preparations intensify, anticipation builds for a weekend filled with sprints, jumps, throws, and unbreakable spirits. The championship not only nurtures the next generation of Indian athletes but also reinforces Odisha’s commitment to fostering a robust sports ecosystem. Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely as these young stars potentially etch their names into the annals of athletic history.
