New Delhi, Nov 26: Bhubaneswar will be at the heart of Indian athletics in 2026 with the Odisha capital set to host the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships as well as an upgraded World Athletics Continental
Tour Silver Level meet, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced on Tuesday (November 25).
AFI competition director Ravinder Chaudhry said the first-ever National Indoor Championships will be staged at the city's indoor facility on March 24 and 25, marking a major step in India's efforts to build a robust indoor athletics culture.
"The first National Indoor Championships will be held at Bhubaneswar's Indoor Stadium on March 24 and 25," Chaudhry said. "The World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Level Meet will be held in August in Bhubaneswar. "
The World Athletics meet in Bhubaneswar will now be a Continental Tour Silver Level event, upgraded from this year's Bronze status, and is scheduled for August 22. The upgrade is expected to attract stronger international fields, helping Indian athletes gain valuable exposure and world-ranking opportunities on home soil.
Adding further depth to the indoor calendar, the first Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition will also be held in Bhubaneswar on May 2-3, giving multi-eventers and vertical jumpers a dedicated national platform.
40-competition domestic calendar ahead of 2026 Asian Games
The 2026 AFI domestic calendar features around 40 competitions, designed to provide continuous competition to senior and junior athletes in the run-up to the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
From cross country and race walking to throws, jumps, relays and the Indian Athletics Series, the packed schedule aims to keep athletes in competitive rhythm while allowing selectors and coaches to monitor performances across age groups and events.
The year will start with the 60th National Cross Country Championships in Ranchi on January 24, followed by key early-season meets including:
- 13th Indian Open Race Walking Competition - February 21-22, Chandigarh
- Fifth Indian Open Throws Competition - March 7-8, Patiala
- Fifth Indian Open Jumps Competition - March 14-15, Anju Bobby George Foundation, Bengaluru
- Seventh Indian Open 400m Meet - March 28, Trivandrum
Junior development remains a priority with events such as the 24th National Junior Athletics Federation Competition in Mangalore (April 24-26), the 21st National Youth Athletics Championships in Ludhiana (September 1-3), and the 41st National Junior Athletics Championships in Chennai (October 23-27).
Indian Athletics Series: 16-leg circuit to boost depth
One of the notable additions to the calendar is the Indian Athletics Series, a 16-meet circuit aimed at encouraging athletes at the regional level and giving emerging talent more competition opportunities.
The series will run from April to September, covering multiple centres across the country including Bengaluru, Udaipur, Sangrur, Ranchi, New Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Pune, Ludhiana, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Nadiad, Warangal, Panchkula and Shillong. The circuit will culminate with the Indian Athletics Series Final - by invitation in New Delhi on September 12.
"The Indian Athletics Series will give a chance to young athletes on the fringes to compete at a higher level with minimum entry standard," Chaudhry said.
The series is expected to become a crucial stepping stone for athletes looking to transition from state-level or age-group competitions to the national senior stage.
Tougher eligibility norms for senior nationals and inter-state
AFI has also linked competition participation to eligibility for major national senior events, ensuring athletes compete more regularly rather than only targeting a single national meet.
To be eligible for the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Championships in Ranchi (May 22-25), athletes must compete in a minimum of two competitions.
For the 65th National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar (July 8-12), the threshold is even higher: competitors must have taken part in three competitions, including state meets. This is aimed at strengthening domestic competition, improving race sharpness, and giving selectors a clearer picture of current form.
State competitions are also built into the calendar - May 26 to June 5 and June 21 to 30 for seniors, and August 16 to 31 for juniors - to sync state-level activity with the national schedule.
- Season closes with National Open and U23 Championships
- The domestic season will conclude with two major senior-focused events:
- 65th National Open Athletics Championships - October 8-11, New Delhi
- Sixth Indian U23 Athletics Competition - October 16-18, Jaipur
These events will offer opportunities for both established names and younger athletes to sign off the season strongly and push for Asian Games selection or global qualification standards.
