24th National Para Athletics Championship 2026 Inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium

Bhubaneswar, March 2026: The 24th National Para Athletics Championship kicked off today at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Para Sports Association of Odisha, the event will continue until March 21, 2026.

The championship was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Key Highlights:

Participation: Around 1460 para-athletes from 28 states, along with teams from BSF and SSCB, are competing.

Events: Competitions will be held across 145 medal events.

Odisha Contingent: 40 athletes are representing the host state, Odisha.

Schedule: Events are scheduled daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sports Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj said, “Odisha is redefining inclusive sports by ensuring that all upcoming sports projects are Divyang-friendly. This event is a testament to India’s growing stature as a global sporting power, aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.”

Shri Babu Singh, MLA (Ekamra-Bhubaneswar), added, “Our para-athletes are the pride of the nation. From this sacred land of Lord Jagannath, they will carry home the best experience of Odisha’s hospitality.”

Renowned Paralympian and PCI President Shri Devendra Jhajharia emphasized that “this is the largest championship to date, showcasing the historic progress of Indian para-sports following the success at the Paris Paralympics.”

The event saw the presence of Shri Ashok Kumar Panda and Shri Bijay Kumar Swain (Additional Secretaries, DSYS), Paralympian Markanda Reddy, and other senior officials.

Avinash Sagar