Bhubaneswar Hosts Prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour

The World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze in Bhubaneswar offers participants a chance to secure global points. AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo highlights the significance of the event, featuring athletes from over 15 countries. Scheduled for August 10, the competition promises valuable experience and boasts a prize pool of USD 25,000.

Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium is set to host the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze, an event providing athletes with the opportunity to gain crucial global ranking points. Bahadur Singh Sagoo, President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), emphasized the importance of this competition, co-organized with the Government of Odisha. The event promises a prize fund of USD 25,000 and will take place on August 10.

AFI President Sagoo also spoke of India's Olympic hero Neeraj Chopra, who is preparing in Europe for the Tokyo World Championships, indicating his readiness to defend his title. Already, over ten Indian athletes have qualified for the championships scheduled from September 13-21 in Japan, and Sagoo expects the number to increase before the qualification deadline on August 24, 2025.

In a pre-event address, Sagoo revealed that more than 15 countries will participate in the one-day meet, demonstrating strong international interest. India will field over 90 athletes, including national record holder Animesh Kujur and middle-distance runner Mohammad Afsal. Prominent javelin thrower Sachin Yadav aims to surpass the 86m mark, building on his 85.16m personal best set at the Asian Athletics Championships. The event conforms to World Athletics guidelines, mandating a mix of disciplines and a limited duration.

Commissioner and Secretary of Sports, Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, assured that preparations are complete, asserting Odisha's readiness to host future Silver or Gold level events following this successful execution.

(With inputs from agencies.)