Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar’s iconic Kalinga Stadium is all set to add another feather in its cap by hosting 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.

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. Bhubaneswar’s world-class indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium will serve as the venue for this pioneering edition.

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.

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.