Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: Odisha is gearing up for a major international athletics event as more than 200 athletes from 27 countries prepare to compete at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet at Kalinga Stadium.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati welcomed the participating athletes, coaches and officials at a dinner held ahead of the competition and spoke about the values that make sport meaningful beyond medals and records.
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The Governor said records can be broken and medals can change hands, but discipline, determination, character and sportsmanship remain important qualities that stay with athletes throughout their lives.
Encouraging the participants to give their best, he urged them to compete with confidence while respecting their opponents and maintaining the true spirit of competition.
He also pointed to the hard work behind every sporting performance, noting that an athlete’s journey is shaped by years of training, sacrifice, setbacks and achievements.
The Governor said events such as the Continental Tour help bring people together by creating a common platform for athletes from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.
He also highlighted Odisha’s growing presence on the international sports map. The state has hosted major events such as the Hockey World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and Asian Athletics Championships, strengthening its reputation as a sporting destination.
Odisha is scheduled to host the World Athletics and Asian Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028, adding to its growing international sporting calendar.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, senior representatives of the Athletics Federation of India and senior officials from the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department were also present at the gathering.
The upcoming meet is expected to give athletes an important opportunity to compete at the international level while offering sports fans in Odisha a chance to witness world-class athletics at Kalinga Stadium.
The event further underlines Odisha’s commitment to promoting sporting excellence, supporting athletes and inspiring a new generation to take up competitive sports.
