Odisha conveys to AFI for hosting India's first Indoor athletics Nationals at upcoming Kalinga Indoor Stadium

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Odisha is aiming to host India's first indoor athletics Nationals as the nation's first dedicated track and field indoor stadium at Kalinga Stadium Complex in Bhubaneswar is expected to complete its construction by the end of July. The indoor athletics stadium will also have the provision of housing for more than 100 athletes for full-time coaching.

The indoor stadium is one of many ambitious projects undertaken by the Odisha government -- including an indoor aquatics stadium, tennis centre, staff accommodation and hockey building -- as over Rs 300 crore has been splashed by the state government.

Odisha's Sports and Youth Department Secretary Vineel Krishna told myKhel that it has conveyed to the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to host the maiden Nationals for inaugural indoor athletics championships. AFI is also hosting the National Inter-State Championships later this month at the Kalinga Stadium from June 14-19.

"The Indoor athletics stadium is nearing completion and we believe by July end, it will be more or less ready," said the senior Odisha official. "We have already conveyed to AFI to host the first Indoor Nationals whenever AFI's calendar permits. We are expecting they will find a suitable spot and accordingly host the Indoor Nationals."

MyKhel understands that a window for the first indoor athletics Nationals may open in January 2024 as the indoor season traditionally opens in the first half of the calendar year. Asian and World Indoor Championships are mostly slated in February and March respectively, making it ideal for the proposed indoor Nationals as a qualifier for both the big-ticket tournaments.

At the moment, the 2024 World Indoor Championships is slated in Glasgow (UK) in March beginning while the Asian Indoors are in Tehran with the dates yet to be finalised.

Odisha has been quite active in the international scene over the last decade with the hosting of back-to-back Hockey World Cups, FIH Pro League, and Asian Athletics Championships among other notable events. The capital city has also been home to Indian Super League franchise Odisha FC, who are provided with the infrastructure facilities free of cost.

Bhubaneswar will also be hosting the Indian football team for the first time during the Intercontinental Cup, starting June 9. The 10-day event will also see Lebanon, Mongolia and Vanuatu vie for the title as India prepare for the Asia Cup later this year.