Bhubaneswar’s iconic Kalinga Stadium is set to host the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships in January 2026, marking a historic development in India’s athletics calendar.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced the introduction of indoor competitions for the first time in the country, focusing on expanding the domestic athletics ecosystem.
India’s First-Ever Indoor Athletics Event
AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that the National Indoor Championships would be part of the 2026 domestic season.
The indoor meet will feature key events such as the pole vault and heptathlon, showcasing India’s readiness to embrace international standards in athletics infrastructure.
- The first National Indoor Athletics Championships will be held in January 2026.
- Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Events include pole vault and men’s indoor heptathlon (7 disciplines).
- AFI’s 2026 calendar features around 40 athletics competitions.
Bhubaneswar’s world-class indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium will serve as the venue for this pioneering edition.
Introducing Indoor Heptathlon and Pole Vault
The heptathlon for men will span two days and include seven disciplines—60m sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m run.
AFI’s decision to include multi-event indoor competitions reflects its aim to prepare Indian athletes for global indoor championships, including the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, for which India has placed a bid.
Strengthening the 2026 Domestic Calendar
The AFI’s 2026 domestic athletics calendar will feature nearly 40 events nationwide. These include regional and national meets aimed at boosting participation and enhancing competitive exposure for emerging athletes.
The federation’s focus on structured competitions is designed to align athlete preparation with major upcoming international events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) plans to expand regional competitions across the South and North Zones, building on this year’s successful events.
Over 15 venues, including the renowned Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in Bengaluru, have been shortlisted for upcoming meets.
This initiative is designed to reduce travel challenges for athletes while offering greater local opportunities for competition and development.
The launch of indoor championships further underscores India’s commitment to modernizing athletics and cultivating world-class sporting talent.