Bhubaneswar, May 27: Odisha has secured the hosting rights for the prestigious Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2027 following a decision taken by the Asian Athletics Council during its meeting in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The announcement marks another significant achievement in the state’s emergence as a leading destination for international sporting events.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the development as a proud moment for both the state and the country, stating that Odisha has further reinforced its reputation as a global sporting hub.
The championship is expected to attract leading athletes from across Asia to India, further boosting Odisha’s sporting profile. Over the years, the state has significantly upgraded its sports infrastructure and successfully hosted several major international hockey tournaments in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Odisha has also delivered consistent performances in domestic hockey competitions. At the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026 held in April, Hockey Punjab and the Hockey Association of Odisha secured bronze medals in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Hockey Punjab continued its strong run in domestic tournaments with an impressive tally of 33 medals, including 14 gold, six silver and 13 bronze medals across various categories. Meanwhile, the Hockey Association of Odisha has built a balanced and competitive structure in both men’s and women’s hockey, securing 26 medals comprising 11 gold, seven silver and eight bronze medals.
Odisha’s men’s teams alone contributed 19 medals, including 10 gold medals, driven by standout performances in junior and sub-junior competitions. In the women’s category, the association won seven medals, including one gold, one silver and five bronze medals, reflecting the steady growth of women’s hockey in the state.
The Hockey Association of Odisha’s success has been credited to its strong grassroots ecosystem, supported by modern infrastructure, academies and advanced coaching facilities. Hockey continues to hold deep cultural significance in the state, further strengthened by Odisha’s role in hosting international tournaments at world-class stadiums in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
The state has also produced several talented players who have represented India at various levels. Among the men, Amit Rohidas remains a key figure in the national team, while Amandeep Lakra has emerged as a promising drag-flick specialist from Rourkela. Players such as Shilanand Lakra, Sudeep Chirmako and Nilam Sanjeep Xess have also showcased the depth of talent emerging from Odisha’s hockey system.
In women’s hockey, rising stars like Sunelita Toppo, Ajmina Kujur and Sujata Kujur have highlighted the growing strength and future potential of Odisha’s women’s hockey programme.
