Haryana Emerges Victorious at 24th National Para-Athletics Championships
The 24th National Para-Athletics Championships 2026 concluded with great fanfare at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Saturday. This prestigious event, which spanned four intense days, saw participation from over 1,400 para-athletes from across India, showcasing remarkable talent and determination in various athletic disciplines.
Medal Tally Highlights and State Performances
Haryana dominated the competition, emerging as the overall champion with an impressive haul of 95 medals. This total included 39 gold medals, underscoring the state's strong performance and commitment to para-sports. Tamil Nadu secured the runner-up position with 51 medals, while Gujarat claimed third place with 30 medals.
Host state Odisha delivered a commendable performance, finishing fifth overall. Their success was significantly boosted by standout athletes such as Suchitra Parida, Jayanti Behera, and Janaki Oram, who contributed gold and silver medals to the state's tally.
Closing Ceremony and Government Support
The closing ceremony was graced by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, who honored the top-performing states. In his address, CM Majhi reaffirmed Odisha's status as the "Sports Capital of India" and made several key announcements to bolster sports infrastructure.
He guaranteed the expansion of the Kalinga Stadium complex to provide advanced facilities for both para-athletes and general athletes. Additionally, Majhi emphasized the state government's readiness to offer comprehensive support for hosting national and international sporting events.
Major Announcement: Bhubaneswar to Host World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028
In a landmark declaration, CM Majhi confirmed that Bhubaneswar will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028. This marks the first time India will ever host a global track and field championship, a significant milestone for the country's sports landscape.
"Odisha has arrived on the global stage. We are ready to showcase our organisational prowess and Indian hospitality to the world in 2028," stated CM Majhi during the ceremony.
The decision was made during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting held in Torun, Poland, where Odisha in India and Astana in Kazakhstan were selected to host the championships in 2028 and 2030, respectively. The meeting, which took place on March 18-19, 2026, also included the awarding of the 2028 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships to Hefei in China.
This development highlights Odisha's growing prominence in the international sports arena and its commitment to fostering athletic excellence across all categories.
