16th December 2024: India will host its inaugural World Athletics Continental Tour event in Bhubaneswar on August 10, 2025. The announcement, made by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), marks a major milestone in the country’s sporting journey. The meet will be a bronze-level competition in the prestigious Continental Tour series, which is considered the second tier of international track and field events, just below the renowned Diamond League.
#Odisha is honoured to host India’s maiden World Athletics Continental Tour in #Bhubaneswar. We thank @WorldAthletics, @afiindia, and the Government of India for placing their trust in us.
This reflects our commitment to promoting sports and providing world-class infrastructure… pic.twitter.com/7uxuCBaGhe
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) December 15, 2024
This event offers a golden opportunity for Indian athletes to compete on home soil and earn world ranking points (category C) ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. AFI President Adille Sumariwalla highlighted the significance of the Continental Tour for Indian athletes, allowing them to showcase their skills before the global stage of the World Championships.
The event will be India’s first global athletics competition since the international permit meets held in the late 1980s and early 1990s, making it a historic occasion for the country’s sporting landscape.
Expressing pride, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the state’s dedication to promoting sports and providing top-notch infrastructure for athletes. He thanked World Athletics, the AFI, and the Government of India for their trust in Bhubaneswar as the host city and expressed excitement about inspiring the next generation of Indian athletes.
With this major event, India is set to further elevate its status on the world athletics map while nurturing local talent for the future.
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