The World Athletics Council has officially selected Odisha, India, as the host city for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships. This landmark announcement was made during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting held in Torun, Poland, just ahead of the 2026 indoor championships. In a move that highlights a commitment to global expansion, the Council also confirmed that Astana, Kazakhstan, will follow as the host for the 2030 edition.
Odisha becomes host city for 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships
The two-day meeting resulted in several other key hosting decisions, including awarding the 2028 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships to Hefei, China. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed his enthusiasm for these selections, noting that bringing major events to places like Odisha and Astana is a strategic effort to grow the sport within emerging markets.
During the proceedings, Coe also took a moment to honor the host city of Torun, praising Poland’s deep-rooted athletics tradition. He highlighted the nation's consistent ability to produce world-class Olympic champions and record-holders, setting a prestigious tone for the future championships in India and beyond.
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Scheduled to take place from March 3 to 5, the 2028 World Indoor Championships will be a landmark event as the first global track and field championship ever hosted by India. This selection builds on Odisha’s growing reputation as a reliable international venue; the state previously successfully managed the 2017 Asian Championships and has hosted a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting, proving its technical and organizational capacity on the world stage.
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed immense pride in the selection, viewing it as a validation of the state's long-term development strategy. He extended his gratitude to both World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India for their trust, noting that the opportunity reflects Odisha's decade-long commitment to building world-class infrastructure and robust athlete development programs. According to Majhi, these sustained investments have firmly established the region as a premier hub for international sporting excellence.
Astana to Host the 2030 World Athletics Indoor Championships
Astana, Kazakhstan, is officially set to host the 2030 World Athletics Indoor Championships from March 15 to 17. The city has been steadily building its resume as a premier athletics destination, having successfully organized the 2023 Asian Indoor Championships and securing World Indoor Tour Gold meetings for 2024 and 2025. Askhat Khasenov, President of the Kazakhstan Athletics Federation, expressed deep gratitude for the selection, viewing it as a clear endorsement of the nation’s ongoing dedication to the sport's growth.
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The local organizing body is already looking ahead, with Khasenov assuring the international community that the Astana Athletics Federation is committed to meeting the highest global standards. Their goal is to create a seamless and memorable experience for athletes and fans alike, further cementing Kazakhstan's position on the international sporting map.
China selected for the 2028 World Race Walking Team Championships
In a separate announcement, Hefei, China, has been named the host city for the World Race Walking Team Championships, scheduled for April 9, 2028. Located in the Anhui Province, Hefei is a rapidly growing economic powerhouse with a population of 10 million. This event adds to a packed calendar for China, which is set to host a consistent stream of World Athletics Series competitions over the next four years.