Asian Athletics Officials Conduct Key Inspection in Bhubaneswar for 2028 Indoor Meet Bid
Officials from the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) carried out a detailed inspection of the indoor athletics track at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday. This visit was a crucial step in evaluating India's formal bid to host the prestigious 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships.
India's Formal Bid and High-Level Delegation Visit
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had officially submitted its bid to host the event last year, specifically proposing Bhubaneswar as the host city. In response to this proposal, a high-level Asian delegation visited the venue. The delegation included Cuddikotta Valson, Director of Competitions, and A Shuggumarran, Secretary General of the Asian Athletics Association.
During their visit, the officials held important meetings with government representatives from Odisha. AFI Treasurer BE Stanley, who was present at these meetings, expressed satisfaction with how the inspection proceeded. "We had a meeting with the sports secretary and director of sports of the Odisha government, and they presented a beautiful presentation that impressed the Asian delegation," Stanley stated in a social media post.
Detailed Requirements and Facility Improvements Discussed
The Asian Athletics officials provided a comprehensive presentation outlining their specific requirements for hosting the championship. According to sources familiar with the discussions, one key area highlighted was the need to enhance facilities to accommodate a larger number of spectators. This focus on fan experience and capacity improvements represents a significant consideration in the bidding process.
Stanley further explained the next steps in the selection process: "The final decision regarding the allotment of the competition will be made during the Asian Under-20 Championships in Hong Kong. Our delegation will give their presentation there, and the allotment will be based on that presentation."
Bhubaneswar's Growing Reputation as an Athletics Hub
Bhubaneswar has been steadily building its reputation as a premier destination for international athletics events. The city previously hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 and marked its first world-level athletics meet with the Continental Tour Bronze level competition last year. Looking ahead, Bhubaneswar is preparing to host the more prestigious Continental Tour Silver level meet in August this year.
Beyond the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships bid, the city also aspires to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships in the same year, demonstrating its ambitious vision for becoming a global athletics center.
Preparations for Upcoming National Event
With the final presentation to Asian officials approaching rapidly, the AFI is expected to make every effort to ensure the success of the maiden National Indoor Athletics meet scheduled for next month. Although only a few participants have confirmed their entries so far, officials anticipate this situation could change significantly in the coming weeks as preparations intensify.
The inspection visit represents a significant milestone in India's efforts to bring major international athletics events to the country, potentially marking another achievement in Bhubaneswar's growing portfolio of world-class sporting events.
