Bhubaneswar, 17 August (H.S.): Odisha is set to host the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on August 22, marking a significant upgrade from the Bronze-level event held last year.

Organised by the Sports and Youth Services Department, Odisha Government, in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) under the aegis of World Athletics, the one-day event will feature 187 athletes from 27 countries, including 88 Indian and 99 international competitors.

The meet will witness the participation of 36 athletes ranked among the world’s top 50, led by Muzala Samukonga, World No. 6 and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist in the men’s 400m. Nigeria’s World No. 10 shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, a Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic finalist, is another major attraction.

The competition will feature 18 events, equally divided between men and women, including sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, jumps and throws. Athletes will compete for cash prizes and valuable World Athletics ranking points.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Sports Director Dr Vijay Yeddula described the elevation to Silver level as a major milestone for the state’s athletics ecosystem. He said the event would further strengthen Odisha’s position as a leading sporting destination in India.

Importantly, entry to Kalinga Stadium will be free for spectators, enabling young athletes, students and sports enthusiasts to witness international-standard athletics action.

World Athletics Vice President and AFI spokesperson Dr Adille Sumariwalla thanked the Odisha Government for upgrading the event, noting that the participation of 36 top-50 athletes would ensure highly competitive action and provide athletes with valuable preparation for their upcoming international engagements.

The event is also being seen as an important precursor to the World Athletics Indoor Championships and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, scheduled to be hosted at Kalinga Stadium in 2028.

Special Secretary, DSYS Ashok Kumar Panda, and AFI Treasurer BE Stanley were also present at the press conference.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda