Over 150 athletes to compete in World Athletics Continental Tour in Odisha

Over 150 athletes from more than 10 countries will compete across 20 events at next month's World Athletics Continental Tour – a bronze-level global meet – to be held, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced on Friday. Athletes from India, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Iraq, Vietnam, the Republic of Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Iran and the Maldives will participate in the competition to be held at the Kalinga Stadium on August 10.

"Hosting the World Athletics Continental Tour for the first time in our state reflects our commitment to sporting excellence. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the event’s smooth and successful conduct—from world-class infrastructure to hospitality,” the minister said.

"Our athletes have brought laurels to the state by excelling in various global competitions. I am confident they will deliver outstanding performances in this tournament as well,” he added.

The Continental Tour is an annual series of track and field competitions held under the aegis of World Athletics and it forms the second tier of international one-day meetings after the prestigious Diamond League. The bronze level Tour meet is below the gold and silver levels. Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Secretary General Sandeep Mehta said,

"We are proud to host the World Athletics Continental Tour (bronze level) in India. With world-class athletes competing, this promises to be a spectacular event and Odisha provides the perfect setting for its successful conduct." (PTI)