Bhubaneswar, March 20 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Friday that the world will witness the state's passion for sports as it hosts the World Athletics Indoor Championships, 2028.
The state is looking forward to welcoming athletes and fans from across the globe and showcasing its organizational capabilities and Indian hospitality, he said.
The World Athletics Council has awarded India the hosting rights for the prestigious event for 2028, and it will be held in Odisha.
"I am extremely proud to announce that #Odisha will be hosting the World Athletics Indoor Championships, 2028. With the Odisha edition, this prestigious event is returning to India after 22 long years. This milestone reflects our emergence as a global sporting hub and our unwavering commitment to world-class excellence," Majhi said in a post on X.
Asserting that the state has arrived on the global stage, he said the world is ready to witness the state's passion for sports.
The chief minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued guidance and support in strengthening the sports ecosystem.
This is a proud moment not only for Odisha but for the entire nation of India, said Majhi.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India for placing their trust in Odisha to host one of the most prestigious championships in global athletics," he said.
The 2028 World Indoor Championships will see India hosting a global track and field championships for the first time, from March 3 to 5, 2028, according to the statement.
The World Indoor Championships typically have 26 events – 13 each for men and women – to be competed over three days.
The 13 events are 60m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 60m hurdles, 4x400m relay, high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, heptathlon (pentathlon for women). The 4x400m mixed relay will be held for the first time in this year's edition in Poland.
"Over the past decade, Odisha has made sport a central pillar of its development vision. Through sustained investment in world-class sporting infrastructure, athlete development programmes, and high-performance ecosystems, the state has emerged as a leading destination for international sporting events," he said.
Odisha had previously hosted several international sports events, including the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup.