National Para Athletics Championship 2026 Begins At Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar

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National Para Athletics Championship 2026: The 24th National Para Athletics Championship 2026 opened today at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The event began on 18 March 2026 with senior leaders from the Government of Odisha and para sports bodies, marking a key national meet for athletes with disabilities.

The inauguration featured Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon'ble Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and Shri Babu Singh, MLA, Bhubaneswar Ekamra. Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, also attended, along with senior officials from the Paralympic Committee of India and Odisha sports bodies.

Leaders praise Kalinga Stadium and Odisha support

Padma Bhusan and Khel Ratna awardee Shri Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India, joined the ceremony. He praised Kalinga Stadium, saying its infrastructure matches top stadiums in Asia and across the world, and noted Bhubaneswar’s potential to host major international para sports events.

Shri Jhajharia thanked the Government of Odisha and the Department of Sports & Youth Services for their strong support of the championship. He highlighted Bhubaneswar’s inclusive and athlete-friendly setting. Senior officials from the Paralympic Committee of India and the Para Sports Association of Odisha were also present during the opening programme.

Odisha outlines para sports infrastructure vision

Addressing the gathering, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj shared the state’s sports vision. He said Odisha aims to build sports infrastructure in every block. He stressed that all new stadiums will be Para Sports Friendly, matching the world-class facilities now available at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Officials present included Shri Bijay Kumar Swain, Additional Secretary, and Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Services, and Shri Kamala Kanta Rath, President, Para Sports Association of Odisha. The championship will feature over 1460 para athletes from 28 Indian states, making it among the largest para sports events nationally.