Kalinga Stadium Hosts National Para Athletics Championship 2026

Bhubaneswar Gears Up for India’s Largest Para Athletics Event

The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar will host the National Para Athletics Championship 2026 from 19 to 21 March 2026. Organised by the Paralympic Committee of India in collaboration with the Odisha government, the event highlights the expanding scope of para sports and promotes inclusivity in athletics.

Large-Scale Participation

The National Para Athletics Championship 2026 will feature around 1,460 athletes from 28 states, along with teams from the Border Security Force and Services Sports Control Board.

A total of 145 medal events will be conducted, making it one of the most extensive para athletics competitions held in India.

Presence of Elite Athletes

The championship will showcase top performers, including Mariyappan Thangavelu , a multiple Paralympic medallist, and Sumit Antil , a double Paralympic gold medallist.

Other prominent participants include Yogesh Kathuniya, Praveen Kumar and Preethi Pal, reflecting a blend of experienced champions and rising talent.

Talent Identification Platform

The event serves as a crucial selection and evaluation platform for international competitions such as the Asian Para Games 2026 .

It also aims to identify emerging athletes, particularly from rural backgrounds, and integrate them into structured training and national coaching programmes.

Odisha’s Role in Sports Development

Odisha continues to strengthen its position as a major sports hub by hosting national and international events. Around 40 athletes from the state, led by Suchitra Parida, will participate.

Defending champions Haryana are expected to field a strong contingent, ensuring high-level competition throughout the championship.

Exam-Focused Points

• National Para Athletics Championship 2026 held at Kalinga Stadium .

• Organised by Paralympic Committee of India .

• Participation: 1,460 athletes, 145 events .

• Key athletes: Mariyappan Thangavelu , Sumit Antil .

• Acts as selection base for Asian Para Games 2026 .