Odisha to host India’s first-ever World Athletics Global Meet

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 8, 2025

Odisha is poised to make sporting history by hosting India’s first-ever World Athletics Global Meet — the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze — at the iconic Kalinga Stadium on August 10, 2025. Organized in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India, this prestigious event cements Odisha’s place on the international athletics map.

The meet will welcome over 200 elite athletes from 19 countries, including Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Portugal, South Korea, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, the Philippines, and several South Asian and African nations. For Indian athletes, it’s a golden opportunity to compete on home soil against world-class talent and aim for qualifications in upcoming international championships.

Odisha’s journey to this landmark began in 2017, when it hosted the Asian Athletics Championships, a turning point that set the tone for its steady rise as the powerhouse of Indian athletics. Since then, the state has hosted major national events such as the Federation Cup, Indian Grand Prix, and National Inter-State Championships, consistently raising the bar in sports infrastructure and event management.

The Kalinga Stadium, with its IAAF-certified track, international-grade facilities, and athlete-centric design, remains at the heart of this transformation. The state has also developed district and block-level athletic stadiums, allowing grassroots talent to train closer to home.

Odisha’s approach goes far beyond infrastructure. The athlete-first model emphasizes holistic development through High Performance Centres, grassroots scouting in tribal and rural regions, world-class coaching, nutritional support, and job security for medal winners. This integrated strategy has turned once-distant dreams into podium finishes.

Under the visionary leadership of the Government of Odisha, and with key support from the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), sports have become a central pillar of youth development and global engagement. Hosting a global event of this stature is a fitting recognition of the state’s sustained efforts and growing credibility.

“Hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze in Odisha is a matter of immense pride. We are fully prepared to organise it successfully,” said Suryabanshi Suraj, Sports Minister of Odisha.

More than a competition, the event represents a milestone in India’s sporting evolution. It offers young athletes the rare chance to witness international excellence up close, igniting dreams and ambition. For Odisha, it is a celebration of progress, pride, and global sporting unity — setting a gold standard for the future of athletics in India.