Odisha has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2028, a landmark decision taken by the Asian Athletics Council during its high-level meeting in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The major development marks yet another significant milestone for the state’s rapidly growing profile as a premier host of major international sports events.
On the announcement, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi termed the achievement a “proud moment” for both the country and Odisha, highlighting that the state has further solidified its standing as a premier global sporting destination.
The elite championship is expected to bring together top-tier track and field athletes from across the Asian continent to compete on Indian soil.
This success comes as Odisha has aggressively upgraded its sports infrastructure, having already organized prestigious international hockey tournaments alongside securing numerous medals in domestic hockey competitions over the years.
Hockey Punjab and Hockey Association of Odisha won Bronze Medals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026 held in April this year.
Hockey Punjab finished on the podium in the men’s category, and Hockey Association of Odisha secured third place in the women’s competition.
The performances underlined the consistent success both teams have enjoyed across domestic tournaments over the years through sustained podium finishes and a steady production of international-level players. Hockey Punjab have been one of the most consistent performers in domestic competitions, securing 33 Medals (14 Gold, 6 Silver, 13 Bronze) across categories.
Not to be outdone, the Hockey Association of Odisha has built a highly successful, well-balanced ecosystem across both men’s and women’s divisions, accumulating a total of 26 Medals (11 Gold, 7 Silver, 8 Bronze).
The state’s men’s teams have driven the bulk of this success by contributing 19 Medals (10 Gold, 6 Silver, 3 Bronze), powered primarily by exceptional performances in Junior and Sub Junior tournaments.
On the women’s side, the Hockey Association of Odisha has secured 7 Medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 5 Bronze), with the Junior Women’s team bringing home a Bronze, and the Sub Junior Women’s squad locked in one Silver and four Bronze Medals to highlight a steadily growing pipeline.
For the men’s national team, veteran Amit Rohidas continues to be a vital asset, while Rourkela’s Amandeep Lakra has rapidly emerged as a highly promising drag flicking talent. The depth of the state’s developmental system is further exemplified by the rise of standout players like Shilanand Lakra, Sudeep Chirmako, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess.
Odisha’s women’s system continues to churn out exciting young prospects for India, with Sunelita Toppo emerging as a rising sensation on the turf alongside talented peers Ajmina Kujur and Sujata Kujur, mirroring the state’s expanding dominance in women’s hockey.
