Bhubaneswar: Global pole vault star Armand Duplantis could headline the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 when the prestigious competition comes to India for the first time, with Bhubaneswar confirmed as the host city.
The announcement by Sebastian Coe marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as the country prepares to host a top-tier global event under a closed-roof setting.
Duplantis likely to remain centre of attraction
Duplantis, widely regarded as one of the greatest pole vaulters in history, is expected to still be in his prime by 2028. The Swedish athlete has already broken the world record multiple times and has dominated indoor competitions in recent years.
He will be in action at the upcoming edition in Torun, Poland, where he is chasing yet another title and aiming to match the record for most World Indoor gold medals.
If his current form continues, Indian fans could witness one of athletics’ biggest stars competing on home soil in Bhubaneswar.
Indoor athletics still new in India
Unlike many European nations, indoor athletics remains relatively underdeveloped in India. Competitions under a roof present unique challenges, including a shorter 200-metre track, banked curves, and different race formats such as the 60-metre sprint.
The Kalinga Stadium, which added India’s first dedicated indoor facility in 2024, is expected to play a central role in hosting the championships.
The venue will also host the inaugural Indoor National Championships, marking a step towards building familiarity with the format among Indian athletes.
Past challenges and changing mindset
Former long jump star Anju Bobby George, who competed in indoor world events during her career, highlighted the challenges Indian athletes faced earlier due to the lack of infrastructure.
She noted that indoor competitions often clashed with traditional training cycles, making it difficult for athletes to adapt.
However, with India set to host the 2028 event, she believes the approach towards indoor athletics will evolve, with better planning and athlete selection based on suitability for the format.
Growing importance of indoor season
Experts believe indoor competitions can play a crucial role in improving performance during the outdoor season.
Athletics Director James Hillier emphasised that competing indoors keeps athletes sharp and provides competitive exposure during what would otherwise be a long training phase.
Recent successes, such as Indian athletes excelling in NCAA indoor events, further underline the potential benefits of embracing the format.
A boost for Indian athletics
Hosting the World Indoor Athletics Championships is expected to accelerate the development of infrastructure, training methods, and competitive exposure in India.
It could also help integrate indoor events into the national calendar, encouraging athletes to participate regularly and gain experience at the highest level.
Conclusion
The 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar could mark a turning point for Indian track and field. With global stars like Armand Duplantis likely to compete, the event promises not only world-class action but also a lasting impact on how athletics is perceived and practised in the country.