India has taken a significant step forward in the world of international athletics by securing the hosting rights for a prestigious Silver Level Continental Tour meet in 2026. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has officially initiated the process to bring this elite competition to Bhubaneswar, building on the success of previous international sporting events in Odisha.
Official Confirmation and Next Steps
The Athletics Federation of India has formally submitted a letter of intent to the Odisha government proposing Bhubaneswar as the host city for the one-day silver level competition. This development was confirmed to DH by senior officials involved in the planning process. The letter represents the first crucial step in the formal bidding process for the event scheduled for 2026.
This initiative comes as a natural progression for Odisha, which successfully hosted the first-ever Bronze Level Continental Tour athletics meet in August 2024. The positive experience from organizing the bronze level event has given confidence to both AFI and World Athletics to consider India for the higher-tier silver level competition.
Bhubaneswar's Growing Sports Profile
Bhubaneswar has emerged as a preferred destination for major sporting events in recent years, with the state government demonstrating strong capability in organizing international competitions. The city's existing infrastructure and proven track record in hosting the bronze level meet made it the obvious choice for AFI's silver level bid.
The Continental Tour system represents World Athletics' official series of international one-day meetings, categorized into three levels: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Silver Level events attract top-tier international athletes and offer substantial ranking points and prize money, making them crucial competitions in the global athletics calendar.
Significance for Indian Athletics
This hosting opportunity marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, representing the country's growing stature in the global sports community. Successfully organizing a Silver Level meet would place India among select nations capable of hosting high-caliber international athletics competitions.
The event is expected to provide Indian athletes with valuable exposure to international competition standards while eliminating travel costs and acclimatization issues. It will also serve as an inspiration for young athletes across the country and help popularize track and field sports at the grassroots level.
With the formal process now initiated, sports enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing world-class athletic performances on home soil in 2026, as India continues to establish itself as a emerging destination for major international sporting events.
