In a landmark move for Indian athletics, Bhubaneswar is set to host India’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Silver-level meet on 22 August 2026. This historic event marks a significant step forward in the country’s journey toward becoming a global hub for track and field competitions. Organised under the aegis of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and sanctioned by World Athletics, the Silver-level meet will bring elite international athletes to Indian soil while offering homegrown talent a rare opportunity to earn crucial world ranking points without travelling abroad.
What is the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Level?
The World Athletics Continental Tour is a globally recognised series of track and field meets categorised into four tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Silver level, classified as a Category B event, sits just below the top-tier Gold and Platinum meets but offers substantially more ranking points, prize money, and international exposure than Bronze events. Hosting such a meet underscores the growing confidence of global athletics bodies in India’s organisational capabilities and infrastructure.
2026 Athletics Calendar Unveiled
AFI’s 2026 schedule expands to 40 domestic competitions, up from 32 in 2025, sharpening skills ahead of the Asian Games in Japan (September 19–October 4). Key highlights include:
- Inaugural National Indoor Championships: March 24–25 at Kalinga Stadium’s indoor facility, marking India’s first such event.
- Indian Indoor Open Combined Events & Pole Vault: May 2–3 in Bhubaneswar.
- National Senior Federation Championships: May 22–25 in Ranchi, requiring a minimum of two prior competitions for entry.
- National Inter-State Senior Championships: July 8–12 in Bhubaneswar, mandating three events, including state meets.
- National Open Championships: October 8–11 in New Delhi.
The new Indian Athletics Series, a 16-leg regional circuit from April to September, targets junior athletes for broader exposure.
Read More: Indian Athletics Calendar 2026
Strategic Push for Athlete Development
Mandatory participation rules ensure rigorous preparation: athletes need specific domestic outings for nationals and likely for Commonwealth and Asian Games selection, as noted by national coach P. Radhakrishnan Nair. This structured pathway aims to elevate India’s global performance.
Bhubaneswar’s role extends beyond the silver meet. The 2025 bronze event drew 160 athletes from 17 nations across 17 medal events (nine men’s, eight women’s), proving the venue’s readiness for bigger stages.
Why this Matters for Indian Athletics
Hosting a silver meet enhances India’s organisational credibility with World Athletics, attracting stronger fields than at bronze-level meets (gold, silver, bronze, and challenger tiers). Local stars gain crucial ranking points without overseas travel, vital for events like the World Championships.
Odisha’s investments in the Kalinga Stadium, following the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, solidify Bhubaneswar’s status. Expect packed stands and live broadcasts, inspiring the next generation amid India’s athletics boom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
India will host its inaugural World Athletics Continental Tour Silver-level meet on 22 August 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This marks the country’s debut at the Silver tier of the global athletics circuit.
To compete in the Federation Cup (May 2026), athletes must participate in at least two domestic meets. For the National Inter-State Championships (July 2026), they must compete in three events, including state-level competitions. These rules aim to ensure consistent performance and raise competitive standards nationwide.
Official broadcast partners have not yet been announced. However, given AFI’s past collaborations, the event is likely to be aired on national sports channels like DD Sports or Sports18, with live streaming possibly available on platforms such as FanCode or the AFI YouTube channel. Updates will be shared closer to the event date.
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