National Indoor Championships 2026 to Herald New Era in Indian Athletics

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The inaugural edition of the National Indoor Athletics Championships is set to mark a significant milestone for Indian athletics as it gets underway at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the two-day meet is being seen as the beginning of a new chapter, with federation president Bahadur Singh Sagoo highlighting its long-term impact on the sport's growth in the country.

"The competition will add a new dimension to Indian athletics. Athletes are excited to be part of this new chapter in their careers," Sagoo said during a media interaction on Monday.

The event has attracted a total of 278 participants, including 97 women athletes, featuring a mix of emerging talents and seasoned performers. The introduction of indoor competition is expected to provide athletes with a different competitive environment, especially with races being conducted on a 200m indoor track.

Among the key names to watch is Odisha's rising sprint star Animesh Kujur, who will compete in the 60m event. The national record holder in the 100m and 200m is looking to kickstart his 2026 season on a strong note.

"I'm excited to compete in my first indoor event, especially on home ground. It's a great opportunity to test myself in a new format," Kujur said.

Experienced campaigner Praveen Chithravel, India's national record holder in men's triple jump, brings valuable indoor exposure to the meet. Having competed across Europe and Asia, Chithravel will participate in the long jump event in Bhubaneswar.

"Indoor competitions have a unique energy. The compact arena allows closer interaction with fans and helps build confidence," he noted.

The championships also underline Odisha's growing stature as a hub for sports infrastructure. The indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium is expected to play a crucial role in helping athletes train and compete in all-weather conditions.

"The indoor arena is a major boost for athletes, allowing uninterrupted training and competition regardless of weather," said Veddula Vijay, Director of Sports, Odisha.

The competition will feature both senior and U20 categories, with the men's 3,000m race set to be the first medal event on the opening day. The championships will conclude on Wednesday.

With the launch of this event, Indian athletics takes a step closer to aligning with global standards, where indoor competitions play a key role in athlete development and performance benchmarking.