Running News Daily

In a landmark decision that underscores the continued globalization of athletics, the World Athletics Council, during its 240th meeting in Toruń, officially confirmed the host cities for three major upcoming championships—each reflecting the sport’s expanding footprint and growing appeal across Asia.

India, Kazakhstan, and China have emerged as the chosen hosts for prestigious global events, signaling both trust in their organizational capabilities and recognition of their increasing influence in the athletics world.

The eastern Indian state of Odisha has been awarded the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Known for its passionate support of sport and its rapidly developing infrastructure, Odisha continues its rise as a prominent destination on the international athletics calendar. This selection builds on India’s broader ambition to establish itself as a global sporting hub.

Two years later, the spotlight will shift to Central Asia, where Astana will host the 2030 edition of the same championships. Astana’s modern facilities and strategic vision position it as an exciting new frontier for indoor athletics, promising a unique blend of elite competition and cultural vibrancy.

Meanwhile, the 2028 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships have been awarded to Hefei. The Chinese city, already familiar with hosting international competitions, is expected to deliver a technically sound and highly competitive event in one of athletics’ most demanding disciplines.

These selections reflect more than logistical planning—they represent a deliberate shift toward inclusivity and global reach. By bringing premier competitions to diverse regions, World Athletics continues to inspire new generations of athletes while strengthening the sport’s worldwide community.

As the road to 2028 and 2030 begins, anticipation will steadily build. New stadiums will come alive, new heroes will emerge, and new stories will be written—each step, stride, and finish line contributing to the ever-evolving legacy of athletics.

Dutee Chand, who has represented India at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, announced her decision to retire in an interview with ESPN after losing the 200m race to teen sprinter Priya Mohan at the Khelo India University Games. 

“I'm growing old, I'm not as fast as I used to be,” the 26-year-old Dutee Chand, who won silver medals in 100m and 200m races at the Asian Games in 2018, admitted. “I'll pull along for two-three more years if my body cooperates.”

Despite losing the 200m sprint to the 19-year-old Priya Mohan, Dutee Chand managed to win two medals at the Khelo India University Games. She successfully defended her title in the 100m sprint earlier in the Games.

However, Dutee Chand clocked only 11.68 seconds in the 100m, far from her personal best and national record of 11.17 seconds she achieved at the Indian Grand Prix in Patiala last year.

“My body is becoming slower and I began training quite late this season,” Dutee Chand reasoned.

Dutee Chand is also yet to meet the qualification standards set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for the Commonwealth Games (11.31s) and the Asian Games (11.36s), scheduled to be held later this year. 

For qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in July, Dutee Chand will need to better her personal best and clock 11.15s to make the cut in the 100m event.

“I've already participated in five events this year to make the cut for these international events… I'm confident of hitting my peak in June-July before the international circuit begins,” Dutee Chand reckoned.

Dutee Chand, who shot to fame after winning the 100m under-18 nationals in 2012, went on to become one of India’s most successful sprinters after PT Usha. 

In 2014, Dutee Chand won the 200m gold medal at Asian Junior Athletics Championships and in 2016, she set a 60m national record (7.28 seconds) at the Asian Indoor Championships to clinch the bronze medal.

After winning two silver medals at the Asian Games in 2018, Dutee Chand became the only Indian to win the gold medal at World University Games in 2019. 

Dutee Chand’s 200m silver medal at the Asian Games was also the first Indian medal in the category since PT Usha’s gold medal in 1986.

In 2022 so far, Dutee Chand won her 100m run at the national inter-university championships in 11.44 seconds in February followed by gold at the Federation Cup in 11.49 seconds in March.

Dutee Chand also made clear her plans to open up 'Dutee Chand Athletics Speed Academy' in Odisha after her retirement to train aspiring sprinters.

Rajasthan's Lallu Lal Meena and Yamini Kothari and Odisha's Pranaya Mohanty are attempting this feat during the 24 Hour Stadium Run at the Mumbai University track, which began at 6pm Saturday and will finish at the same time Sunday.

Sikkim's Shiva Hang Limboo too will aim to make it to the 24-Hour World Ultra Marathon Championship in the 12-Hour category.

The top men will cover close to 200 kilometres (124 miles) during this period while the women should hit 170 km (105 miles). 

The 24-hour Stadium Run tests the endurance as well as mental and physical abilities of athletes.

"I have a great chance of qualifying for the worlds," said Meena.

"I have done it in the past and I am quite confident of making it there once. The criteria for qualification is 205 kilometres and I have come with a target of 220 kilometres.

I'm also attempting to run for 23 hours straight and if my body permits I will do 24 hours without any break," Meena was quoted as saying in a release issued Saturday.