Kalinga Stadium Hosts National Para Athletics Championship 2026

The National Para Athletics Championship 2026 is set to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar In Odisha. This will be bringing together top para athletes from around the India. This event will shows the participation from 1,460 athletes an it will representing 28 states. Also this time along with teams from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Services Sports Control Board (SSCB). This championship will be held from March 19 to March 21, 2026 and the total 145 medal games to held.

National Para Athletics Championship 2026

The National Para Athletics Championship 2026 is one of the largest para sports in India.

It will brings together the athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete at the national level.

Key highlights include are,

• Participation of 1,460 para athletes
• Representation from 28 states and institutional teams
• A total of 145 medal events
• Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar

Athletes to Watch at Kalinga Stadium

The Kalinga Stadium para athletics championship will feature the several famous and renowned athletes who have achieved the success at international events.

Top participants include,

• Mariyappan Thangavelu – Gold (Rio), Silver (Tokyo), Bronze (Paris Paralympics)
• Sumit Antil – Double Paralympic gold medallist

Other notable athletes participating,

• Navdeep Singh
• Praveen Kumar
• Preethi Pal
• Yogesh Kathuniya
• Dharambir
• Pranav Soorma

Event Schedule and Opening Ceremony

The championship will run for three days from the March 19 to 21 2026.

Event kickoff the from day with the opening ceremony scheduled a day earlier at Kalinga Stadium.

The event will be inaugurated by Odishas Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

This ceremony will mark the beginning of a national level sporting event celebrating inclusivity and athletic excellence.

Selection Platform for Asian Para Games 2026

A key objective of the National Para Athletics Championship 2026 is to identify athletes for the upcoming international competitions.

This event will play the crucial role in selecting probables for the Asian Para Games 2026 which are to be hosted in Aichi Nagoya, Japan.

Athletes performing well in the championship will be shortlisted for,

• Asian Para Games
• International para athletics competitions
• National coaching camps for advanced training

Odisha’s Participation and Hosting Role

The championship is being organized by the Paralympic Committee of India with collaboration with the Odisha government and the Para Sports Association of Odisha.

Odisha will have the contingent of 40 athletes and they led by Suchitra Parida.

She is the national record holder in the F55 javelin throw.

The state continues to establish itself as a major hub for hosting national and international sporting events.

Haryana Leads with Largest Contingent

Defending champions Haryana will participate with the largest contingent in the championship.

The state has continuously performed well in national-level athletics and is expected to be a strong contender again.

The presence of strong teams adds to the competitiveness of the National Para Athletics Championship 2026.

Question

Q. The National Para Athletics Championship 2026 is being held in which city?

A. Delhi
B. Mumbai
C. Bhubaneswar
D. Chennai