Bhubaneswar, August 22: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday attended the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver 2026 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, describing the event as another milestone in Odisha’s journey towards becoming a global sports hub.

The prestigious international athletics meet brought together more than 100 athletes from different countries, along with leading competitors from India and Odisha, further highlighting the state’s growing presence on the global sporting stage.

In a post on X, Majhi said witnessing the performances of world-class athletes at the Kalinga Stadium was a unique and memorable experience.

“The participation of talented sportspersons from our country and Odisha alongside over a hundred athletes from various nations is proving the state’s growing international stature and world-class sporting capabilities,” the Chief Minister said.

He said the successful hosting of the event was strengthening Odisha’s distinct identity on the global sports map while also opening new opportunities for sports tourism.

Majhi added that the state government’s vision extended beyond hosting major international sporting events and included identifying talented athletes at the grassroots level and preparing them to compete at the highest level.

As part of this effort, he said, modern stadiums are being developed at the block level across the state. A state-of-the-art sports complex is also planned at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, where athletes will receive advanced training and world-class facilities.

“Our journey to establish Odisha as the world’s Sports Capital will continue forever,” Majhi said.