The iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, which has previously hosted numerous athletics meets including the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Level event, is set to make history by hosting the inaugural edition of the National Indoor Championships in January 2026. This landmark decision was confirmed by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) as part of their comprehensive domestic calendar.
AFI Announces Groundbreaking Indoor Competition
AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo officially confirmed the development in a statement, revealing that the National Indoor Championships had been incorporated into the 2026 domestic calendar. "The National Indoor Championships was on cards, and we have incorporated it in the 2026 domestic calendar," Sagoo stated. "Bhubaneswar's indoor stadium in Odisha will be the venue for the first edition of the competition."
This announcement comes as the AFI has simultaneously bid for hosting the 2028 Asian Indoor Championships, demonstrating their commitment to developing indoor athletics infrastructure in India.
New Events and Expanded Domestic Calendar
The federation is planning to introduce indoor competitions in several disciplines, including pole vault for both men and women and the challenging heptathlon. The indoor heptathlon for men will feature seven demanding disciplines spread over two consecutive days of competition.
The event schedule for indoor heptathlon includes:
- Day 1: 60m, long jump, shot put, and high jump
- Day 2: 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m
Sagoo emphasized that the packed 2026 domestic calendar will feature close to 40 competitions, with the primary focus being to strengthen the domestic athletics ecosystem and provide more opportunities for emerging talent.
Regional Expansion and Infrastructure Development
The AFI president also highlighted the success of regional competitions introduced earlier this year. "Regional events in the South and North Zone attracted a good number of athletes this year," Sagoo noted. "Hence, there is a plan to further increase the number to provide opportunities to young athletes."
To accommodate this expanded competition schedule, the AFI has shortlisted more than 15 venues across the country, including the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in Bengaluru. Sagoo explained the rationale behind this regional approach: "Regional competitions in the neighbourhood gave more opportunities to promising athletes to showcase their potential. Having quality competition in the backyard is not taxing on the competitors as they have to travel less to compete."
The 2026 domestic calendar has been strategically structured keeping in mind two major multi-discipline international competitions - the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, ensuring Indian athletes are well-prepared for these global events through consistent domestic competition.
