Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: Odisha is set to welcome some of the world’s leading track and field athletes as the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet takes place at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on August 22.
The prestigious one-day international athletics competition will bring together 187 athletes from 27 countries, including 88 Indian and 99 international competitors. The event is being jointly organised by the Odisha Government’s Sports and Youth Services Department, the Athletics Federation of India and World Athletics.
The meet has been upgraded from Bronze to Silver status following the successful conduct of last year’s edition, marking another significant milestone in Odisha’s growing reputation as an international sporting destination.
Athletes will compete across 18 events, covering sprinting, middle-distance running, hurdles, jumping and throwing disciplines in both men’s and women’s categories. The competition will also offer athletes an opportunity to earn valuable World Athletics ranking points.
The international field includes athletes from several countries, with strong participation from Asia as well as countries such as Sri Lanka, South Africa and Brazil.
A number of prominent athletes from Odisha will also represent the state, including Animesh Kujur, Swadhin Kumar Majhi, Kishore Jena, Bapi Hansda, Srabani Nanda and Pragyan Prasanti Sahoo.
The competition is particularly significant as Odisha prepares to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028 at Kalinga Stadium. The Silver-level meet is expected to provide valuable international exposure to Indian and Odisha athletes while further strengthening the state’s athletics infrastructure and event-hosting capabilities.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the elevation of the event to Silver status reflects Odisha’s growing contribution to international athletics. He highlighted the opportunity it provides athletes to compete against a strong international field and improve their world rankings.
The winners in each event will receive USD 1,600, while the second- and third-placed athletes will receive USD 1,200 and USD 900, respectively.
The Odisha Government has also made arrangements to welcome the participating athletes, with a banquet hosted by the Governor. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to attend the competition on August 22.
The event is expected to draw significant attention from sports enthusiasts and further position Bhubaneswar as a major destination for international athletics competitions.