The road to the Asian Games 2026 enters a crucial phase this week as India’s top track and field athletes converge at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. Scheduled from June 24 to June 28, the prestigious competition will not only crown national champions but also serve as the final qualification opportunity for athletes hoping to secure a place in India’s athletics squad for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya later this year.
With 45 medal events spread across five days, the championship promises high-quality competition featuring Olympic participants, Asian Games medallists, national record holders and rising stars. The event has traditionally been one of the most important meets on the domestic athletics calendar and carries added significance this year because of its direct impact on Asian Games selection.
Among the biggest attractions will be the return of several elite athletes who have spent the past few months training and competing abroad. National record holder and Asian champion Jyothi Yarraji will make her much-anticipated comeback after a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury. The women’s 100m hurdles specialist has been one of India’s most successful athletes in recent years and will be eager to regain competitive rhythm ahead of the international season.
Long-distance runners Parul Chaudhary and Gulveer Singh are also set to return to domestic action after training overseas. Both athletes have established themselves among Asia’s leading distance runners and are expected to use the championships to confirm their places in the Indian contingent for the Asian Games.
Parul, who has enjoyed considerable success in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and distance events, enters the competition as one of India’s strongest medal prospects. Gulveer, meanwhile, continues to rewrite Indian distance-running records and has emerged as one of the country’s most promising endurance athletes.
While several stars are returning, India’s athletics community will also note the absence of two key names. National javelin thrower Sachin Yadav and steeplechase specialist Avinash Sable will miss the competition as they continue rehabilitation from injuries. Sable remains one of India’s most decorated distance runners and his absence leaves a significant gap in the men’s steeplechase field.
The championships will also feature a host of established stars including long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, sprint sensation Animesh Kujur, shot put veteran Tajinderpal Singh Toor and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel. Their participation adds further depth to a competition expected to produce several Asian Games qualification marks.
One of the key storylines will be the battle for qualification standards across multiple disciplines. Athletes must achieve the prescribed benchmarks to strengthen their chances of representing India at the Asian Games, making every performance critical.
The opening day on June 24 features several marquee events, including the men’s 5000m final, women’s 5000m final, women’s 100m hurdles, women’s triple jump, women’s hammer throw and men’s pole vault. Jyothi Yarraji’s return in the hurdles event is expected to draw significant attention from fans and selectors alike.
Action continues on June 25 with the men’s and women’s 800m finals, women’s 200m, men’s 200m, women’s shot put, men’s discus throw and women’s pole vault among the headline events. Middle-distance races are expected to be particularly competitive as athletes chase Asian Games qualifying standards.
The third day, June 26, features several relay events, including the mixed 4x400m relay, men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, men’s triple jump, men’s 110m hurdles and women’s discus throw. Relay performances will be closely monitored as India seeks to build strong teams for future international competitions.
June 27 promises one of the most exciting schedules of the championship. The day includes the men’s and women’s 400m hurdles, men’s high jump, women’s javelin throw, men’s shot put, men’s and women’s 1500m races and the highly anticipated men’s and women’s 100m finals. Sprint star Animesh Kujur is expected to be among the standout performers in the men’s sprint events.
The championships conclude on June 28 with a packed schedule featuring the men’s and women’s 400m finals, men’s and women’s 3000m steeplechase, men’s javelin throw, men’s long jump, women’s high jump, men’s and women’s 4x400m relays and the men’s 10,000m final. Distance runner Gulveer Singh is expected to be among the major attractions on the final day.
The Kalinga Stadium has become one of India’s premier sporting venues over the last decade, hosting international athletics events, hockey tournaments and national championships. Its world-class facilities are expected to provide athletes with ideal conditions to achieve qualification marks and personal best performances.
For Athletics Federation of India selectors, the championship represents the final opportunity to assess form, fitness and readiness before naming the Asian Games squad. Athletes who perform well under pressure this week could secure not only national titles but also a ticket to one of Asia’s biggest sporting events.
With established champions making their return, young talents seeking breakthroughs and several athletes chasing qualification standards, the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships promises five days of intense competition and compelling storylines. As India’s athletics season reaches a critical stage, all eyes will be on Bhubaneswar to see who rises to the occasion and books a place on the road to Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Where to Watch
Fans can watch live coverage of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships on the Athletics Federation of India’s official YouTube channel throughout the five-day competition.
