Bhubaneswar, August 2025: Odisha, once primarily known for its hockey legacy, is now fast emerging as India's new sporting hub across multiple disciplines.
Over the last decade, the state has invested heavily in world-class infrastructure, athlete development programmes, and international event hosting capabilities.
From organising back-to-back Hockey World Cups to creating India's only indoor athletics stadium, Odisha has built a reputation for delivering global-standard sports experiences.
This year, the state marks another historic milestone as it hosts the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze for the very first time in India, to be held on August 10. The prestigious event, set at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, will see participation from athletes representing 17 countries, including India. It's more than just a competition - it's a showcase of Odisha's growing capabilities to organise large-scale, high-impact sporting events that inspire both athletes and audiences alike.
In an exclusive conversation with myKhel, Sachin R Jadhav, Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, sheds light on the meticulous preparations, the state's long-term vision for athletics, and its role in India's ambitious 2036 Olympics bid. He also discusses how Odisha is nurturing local talent, creating sustainable sports ecosystems, and positioning itself as a sporting powerhouse for the nation.
'A matter of great pride for India and Odisha'
Q: This is the first time the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze is happening in India. How significant is this moment for Odisha and for the country?
Sachin R Jadhav: It is a matter of great pride for India that the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze is being hosted here for the first time. This tour is a kind of talent scout event, and having Odisha chosen as the venue is an honour. Odisha has long been known for sports promotion, especially hockey, but now we are giving equal priority to athletics. The event is being organised in association with the Athletics Federation of India and will serve as a qualification event for the World Athletics Continental Tour in Tokyo. Athletes from India and 17 other countries are participating, including many from Odisha itself.
From Asian Athletics to Global Stage
Q: Odisha has hosted many major events in recent years. How does this event fit into that journey?
Sachin R Jadhav: In 2017, Odisha hosted the Asian Athletics Championship for the first time. Then we organised two back-to-back Hockey World Cups, and now this international athletics event. It's an 8-year journey of growth - building high-performance centres in places like Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Puri.
Alongside infrastructure, we have focused on talent scouting through initiatives like the CM Trophy. We also have India's first and only indoor athletics stadium here in Odisha. The goal has been holistic - not just facilities, but grooming, nurturing, and creating a sustainable sports ecosystem.
Bigger Ambitions: From Bronze to Gold Events
Q: Do you see Odisha hosting larger athletics events like Asian Juniors or World Juniors in the future?
Sachin R Jadhav: Why not? It's definitely possible. Infrastructure is important, but it's not the only factor - you need a complete sports culture. As Abhinav Bindra rightly said, the Olympics is not every four years, it is every day. In Odisha, we are nurturing that culture every day. We believe if we can successfully host this Bronze event, we can bid for Silver or Gold events in the future.
Investing in Athletics Talent
Q: Odisha has a strong hockey legacy. How is it balancing that with its push for athletics?
Sachin R Jadhav: Hockey will always remain close to Odisha's heart, especially in Sundargarh, which has given India so many great players. But athletics is the mother of all sports. Skills from athletics benefit all other sports. We are developing high-performance centres and a sustainable ecosystem for athletics that will keep Odisha at the forefront nationally. We already have athletes like Dutee Chand and Srabani Nanda who are national record holders, and we want to build on that success.
The Wider Impact of Hosting Sports Events
Q: Beyond the competition, what impact do such events have on the state and its people?
Sachin R Jadhav: The direct benefit is to the athletes, but the indirect impact is huge - from creating jobs to boosting the economy and inspiring youth. Sports is a way of life. Look at Rourkela after the Birsa Munda Stadium was built - there's more energy in the community, children have bigger aspirations, and sports is now seen as a viable career. It's not just about players - we need coaches, physiotherapists, event organisers, and even sports journalists. The sports ecosystem generates diverse opportunities.
2036 Olympics: Odisha's Role in India's Dream
Q: Finally, how do you see Odisha contributing to India's 2036 Olympics ambitions?
Sachin R Jadhav: We have developed a sustainable sports ecosystem over the last eight years, and we are confident it will last for decades. If India bids for the 2036 Olympics, Odisha will definitely be one of the states driving that vision. We are not just saying this because we are from Odisha - the results speak for themselves. Odisha is showing the direction to the country.
