Odisha, India, March 23, 2026: World Athletics’ strategy to take major events to emerging markets has resulted in three high-profile championships being awarded to cities in Asia.
The World Athletics Council has selected Odisha in India and Astana, Kazakhstan to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028 and 2030, respectively.
It has also awarded the 2028 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships to Hefei, China.
These decisions were made during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting in Torun, Poland last week, ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026 in Pomorze.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “In awarding the next two editions of this storied championships to Odisha and Astana, I am delighted that the World Indoors continues to go from strength to strength, captivating audiences around the world, and that our next two hosts reflect our strategy of taking our events to emerging markets.
“I would also like to congratulate Hefei on the awarding of the World Athletics Race Walking Championships in 2028. They will be the latest in a strong lineup of Chinese cities to host a World Athletics Series event from 2025 to 2028,” Coe added.
The 2028 World Indoor Championships will see India host a global track and field event for the first time, from March 3 – 5, 2028.
“This is a proud moment not only for Odisha but for the entire nation,” said Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. “We extend our sincere gratitude to World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India for placing trust in Odisha to host one of the most prestigious championships in global athletics.”
The awarding of the 2030 edition to Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on March 15 – 17, 2030, will also see the sport reach new markets.
“This significant milestone is recognition of our country’s efforts in developing athletics and strengthening its position in the world,” said Kazakhstan Athletics Federation President Ashkat Khasenov.
Holding the 2028 World Race Walking Team Championships in Hefei on April 9, 2028, continues a now four-year athletics journey through China, following World Athletics Series events in Nanjing (2025), Guangzhou (2025), Yangzhou (2027) and Beijing (2027).