Bhubaneswar: Odisha Sports Minister Suryavanshi Suraj on Saturday presented the ceremonial world athletics flag to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Kalinga Stadium, marking a proud moment for the state reflecting its readiness to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in the city in 2028.
Officials said this is a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to delivering a world-class event.
The ceremonial flag was presented to Ravinder Choudhry of the Athletics Federation of India and Sports Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia i
n Poland, symbolising the official handover of hosting responsibilities to India.
After receiving the flag, the CM said that this is more than an event—it is a moment of legacy. As the countdown to 2028 begins, the flag stands as a symbol of ambition, pride, and a promise to the world—that India & Odisha is ready.
It may be mentioned that in a defining moment for Indian sports, the hosting rights for the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028 were formally announced in Poland by Sebastian Coe, marking Odisha’s arrival on the global athletics stage.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships is among the most prestigious events in global track and field, bringing together elite athletes from across the world to compete at the highest level under indoor conditions.
Its arrival in Odisha is not just an opportunity to host, but to showcase India’s growing sporting ecosystem, infrastructure, and organisational excellence.