Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to host the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze Level) for the first time at Kalinga Stadium here on August 10, 2025.
Informing this during a press conference held on Friday, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj shared details of this prestigious international athletics competition.
The event will witness the participation of over 150 athletes representing more than 10 countries, including India, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Iraq, Vietnam, Republic of Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Iran and the Maldives. A total of 20 events will be held during the tournament.
“This is a proud moment for Odisha,” said the Sports Minister. “Hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour for the first time in our state reflects our commitment to sporting excellence. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the event’s smooth and successful conduct—from world-class infrastructure to hospitality.”
He further added that Odisha has already created a distinct identity in hosting international sporting events. “Our athletes have brought laurels to the state by excelling in various global competitions. I am confident they will deliver outstanding performances in this tournament as well,” he said.
Sandeep Mehta, Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of India, said, “We are proud to host the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze Level) in India. With world-class athletes competing, this promises to be a spectacular event and Odisha provides the perfect setting for its successful conduct.”
The Tour is an annual series of independent track and field athletic competitions, recognised by World Athletics (formerly known as the IAAF). The Tour forms the second tier of international one-day meetings after the Diamond League. First held in 2020, it replaced the IAAF World Challenge series. Initially divided into three levels – Gold, Silver and Bronze – the Tour was expanded in 2022 with the fourth tier: Challenger.
Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, Deepankar Mahapatra, Director, Sports and Youth Services Department, and B.E. Stanley Jones, Treasurer, Athletics Federation of India were present in the press conference.