World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced on Thursday that the eastern Indian state of Odisha will host the 2028 World Indoor Championships. This decision marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time India, the world's most populous nation, will host a major World Athletics event. The championship will take place at the Kalinga Stadium Complex in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which features an indoor stadium suitable for such events.

In addition to Odisha's hosting of the world indoor championships, Kazakhstan's Astana has been confirmed as the host for the 2030 event, further expanding the geographical diversity of these championships. Coe expressed optimism about the future of indoor athletics, stating that its future looks bright and assured. This move is likely to stimulate interest in athletics within India and encourage investment in sports infrastructure.

Moreover, the announcement coincides with India's growing reputation in the sporting world, as Amdavad, also known as Ahmedabad, has been confirmed to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This event will feature a full track and field programme and is viewed as a vital step for India in securing a strong presence in the international athletics community.