Kalinga Stadium to host World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet on Aug 22

Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium will host the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet on August 22, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced. The one-day event will feature 188 athletes from 28 nations, including 88 from India. Olympic bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga of Zambia and Nigerian shot put champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are among the top international stars. The field includes 36 athletes ranked in the world top 50.

The Sports and Youth Services Department of the Odisha government is organising the event in partnership with the AFI. The Times Now report quoted Director of Sports Dr Vijay Yeddula as calling it a milestone that will cement Odisha as a premier athletics state. AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said the presence of many top athletes will deliver high quality competition.

Indian stars include double Commonwealth Games silver medallist long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor, 200m national record holder Animesh Kujur and javelin thrower Rohit Yadav. Winners will receive a cash prize of $1,600, with $1,200 and $900 for second and third places. The event is free for spectators.