Bhubaneswar to Host Inaugural Edition of National Indoor Athletics Championships in January

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New Delhi, Nov 11: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is set to mark a new chapter in the nation's athletics calendar with the inaugural edition of the National Indoor Championships scheduled for January 2026.

The event will take place at Bhubaneswar's indoor stadium in Odisha, AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo announced on Tuesday (November 11).

"The National Indoor Championships was on the cards and we have incorporated it into the 2026 domestic calendar," said Sagoo. "Bhubaneswar's world-class indoor facility will be the venue for the first edition."

The AFI has also placed a bid to host the 2028 Asian Indoor Championships, signaling India's growing ambition in track and field infrastructure and international hosting capabilities. The federation is also planning specialized indoor competitions in pole vault (men and women) and heptathlon, aiming to create greater opportunities for athletes across disciplines.

Indoor Heptathlon and Event Structure

The indoor heptathlon, one of the featured events, will consist of seven disciplines held over two days - 60m, long jump, shot put, and high jump on the first day, followed by 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m on the second. This format is expected to challenge the endurance, versatility, and technical skills of India's top male athletes.

Domestic Calendar 2026: Nearly 40 Events Planned

The AFI president confirmed that the 2026 domestic calendar will feature close to 40 competitions, making it one of the most extensive seasons yet. "The main focus is to strengthen the domestic ecosystem," Sagoo emphasized. "We are building a calendar that aligns with preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games."

The federation's decision follows the success of the regional competitions introduced in 2025. "The response from athletes was very encouraging. Regional events in the South and North Zones attracted large participation, and we plan to expand these opportunities further," Sagoo added.

Focus on Grassroots Development

The AFI had shortlisted over 15 venues across the country for regional events, including the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in Bengaluru. Sagoo said that hosting regional meets closer to athletes' home states helped reduce travel stress and provided quality competition exposure. "Having competitions in the neighbourhood gives young athletes the chance to showcase their talent without being burdened by travel," he said.

With the National Indoor Championships making its debut, India's athletics ecosystem continues to expand, reflecting the AFI's sustained commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing infrastructure nationwide.