Kalinga Stadium to Host India’s First National Indoor Athletics Championships

• India is set to enter a new era in athletics with the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships , scheduled for January 2026 at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium . The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced that this will be the first-ever indoor athletics competition held in the country, marking a major milestone in India’s sporting infrastructure and athlete development roadmap.

India’s First Indoor Athletics Championship

• AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that the indoor meet would introduce several track and field events, including the pole vault and the men’s indoor heptathlon , designed to align India with international athletic standards. The Kalinga Stadium , known for hosting major sporting events like the Asian Athletics Championships and FIH Hockey World Cup, now features a world-class indoor facility suitable for all-weather competitions.

Events and Global Alignment

• The men’s indoor heptathlon will span two days and comprise seven disciplines — 60m sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m run . AFI’s introduction of multi-event indoor contests is aimed at preparing Indian athletes for major global tournaments such as the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 , for which India has already submitted a bid .

Expanding the Domestic Athletics Ecosystem

• The AFI’s 2026 calendar includes nearly 40 national and regional events , covering both outdoor and indoor formats. These events will provide structured competition opportunities for emerging athletes, helping bridge the gap between domestic and international standards. Regional competitions in the South and North Zones , including venues like the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in Bengaluru , will enhance accessibility and local participation.

Exam Pointers

• Event: First National Indoor Athletics Championships (January 2026)

• Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar

• Organiser: Athletics Federation of India (AFI)

• Key events: Pole vault, indoor heptathlon (7 disciplines)

• Domestic schedule: ~40 athletics competitions in 2026

Outlook

The launch of India’s indoor athletics programme underscores AFI’s vision to modernise infrastructure, nurture talent, and boost international competitiveness . The initiative will strengthen India’s position in global athletics, ensuring athletes train and compete year-round under world-class conditions.