World Athletics Continental Tour: Odisha gears up for global spotlight, more than 10 countries to participate

Odisha is gearing up to make history by hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze Level) for the first time at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on August 10.

The prestigious international athletics event will feature over 150 athletes from  more than 10 countries—India, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Phillippines, South Korea, Malayasia, Iraq, Vietnam, Republic of Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Iran and Maldives—competing in 20 thrilling events.

At a press conference on Friday, Odisha’s Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed extreme happiness and pride in the state’s role as host.

"This is a proud moment for Odisha," he said. "Hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour for the first time in our state reflects our commitment to sporting excellence. We are ensuring world-class infrastructure and hospitality to make this event a grand success," the minister added, as per an OdishaTV report.

He highlighted Odisha’s growing reputation as a global sports hub, citing its successful track record in hosting international events and the achievements of its athletes on the world stage.

Sandeep Mehta, Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of India echoed this enthusiasm. "With world-class athletes competing, this promises to be a spectacular event and Odisha provides the perfect setting for its success."

Preparations are in full swing to ensure a seamless experience for participants and spectators alike, with the Kalinga Stadium’s state of the art facilities created during the previous Naveen Patnaik regime set to elevate the tournament’s global appeal.

Since 2018, when the Men’s Hockey World Cup was organised at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha has been seen to be quite serious about sports. Former CM Patnaik had given a prestigious projection to sports by promoting hockey at national level besides other sports in the state.

The present BJP government, headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi with Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj seem to be maintaining the same policy of the previous government and hosting national as well as international events.

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