Flag Handover Marks Odisha’s 2028 World Athletics Push and Infrastructure Drive

An event-based sports infrastructural overhaul is ongoing throughout the world, with examples seen in the AFCON-based upgrades seen in the African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Along with these, FIFA-specific advancements have also been seen in places like Africa and Morocco. India has witnessed the upgrades of some major stadiums ahead of the IPL season. Continuing this trend, Odisha is basing its major infrastructural overhaul around its bid to host the World Athletic Meet 2028

CM Mohan Charan Majhi has received the flag for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028 from Odisha Sports & Youth Services Minister Suryavanshi Suraj. The flag was also presented to Ravinder Choudhry of the Athletics Federation of India and Odisha’s Sports Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia in Poland, symbolising the formal handover. The event has been scheduled to be held at the Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated, "As the countdown to 2028 begins, the flag stands as a symbol of ambition, pride, and a promise to the world—that India and Odisha are ready."

Emphasising the relevance of Odisha hosting the marquee event, Sebastian Coe, World Athletics President, said,“The future of the World Indoor Championships is looking bright and assured.”Further, “The Indian athletes have been making a good impression at the global level. We are hopeful more youngsters will earn glory at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games," the AFI president added.