Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s capital is set to host another international sporting event, with Kalinga Stadium selected as the venue for the upcoming BIMSTEC U23 Athletics Championships. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced the development on Wednesday, bringing an international competition featuring emerging athletes from seven countries to Bhubaneswar.
India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar are expected to participate in the championships. The event will provide young athletes with an opportunity to compete against international opponents and gain valuable experience at the under-23 level.
The dates and detailed competition schedule have not yet been finalised.
Seven Countries to Participate in BIMSTEC U23 Championships
The BIMSTEC U23 Athletics Championships will bring together athletes from seven countries: India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The competition is expected to offer a platform for promising athletes to demonstrate their abilities across various track and field disciplines. Participation by athletes from different countries will also provide opportunities to assess performance levels and gain international competitive experience.
Thailand’s participation is expected to add further interest to the championships, particularly given the country’s reputation for producing competitive sprinters in Asian athletics.
The event will also give Indian athletes an opportunity to test themselves against international competition as they continue developing their careers.
Indian Squad to Be Selected Based on National Championship Performances
The Athletics Federation of India will select the Indian team based on athletes’ performances in two national-level competitions.
These are the sixth Indian U23 Athletics Championships and the 41st National Junior Athletics Championships.
The U23 competition was held at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur from October 16 to 18, 2026, while the National Junior Athletics Championships concluded on Tuesday, according to the report.
Performances at these competitions are expected to play an important role in determining which athletes represent India at the international event.
The selection process will give athletes an opportunity to earn places in the national squad through their performances on the track and in field events.
Dates and Detailed Schedule Awaited
Although Bhubaneswar has been confirmed as the venue, the organisers have yet to announce the dates and detailed schedule for the BIMSTEC U23 Athletics Championships.
Further information regarding the competition programme and other arrangements is expected once the schedule is finalised.
The championships will bring athletes, officials and other members of the athletics community to Odisha’s capital, adding to the city’s experience in hosting national and international sporting events.
Kalinga Stadium Strengthens Bhubaneswar’s International Athletics Profile
Kalinga Stadium has become an important venue for athletics competitions in India. Its hosting of international events has helped strengthen Bhubaneswar’s reputation as a destination for major sporting competitions.
Following the installation of a new athletics track, the stadium hosted India’s first Bronze-level Continental Tour meet last year. The venue subsequently hosted a Silver-level Continental Tour competition this year, further adding to its record of international athletics events.
Hosting the BIMSTEC U23 Athletics Championships will provide another opportunity for the stadium to showcase its facilities and organisational capabilities.
Odisha Continues to Attract Major Sporting Events
The upcoming championships add to Bhubaneswar’s growing presence on the international athletics calendar. Hosting a competition involving seven countries will provide an opportunity to promote athletics and encourage young athletes in Odisha and across India.
The event is also expected to give local sports enthusiasts the chance to watch promising athletes compete at an international level.
With the venue confirmed and the Indian team selection process linked to national championship performances, attention will now turn to the announcement of the final dates and competition schedule.
