Bhubaneswar, June 24 -- The 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship 2026 commenced on Wednesday at Kalinga Stadium here, bringing together some of the country's finest track and field athletes.
The championship serves as a key qualification event for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.
Around 630 elite athletes, including 342 men and 288 women from 27 states and union Territories are participating in the five-day competition.
A total of 45 medal events will be contested across various disciplines, including sprinting, distance running, hurdles, high jump, long jump, and javelin throw.
Haryana has fielded the largest contingent with 70 athletes, while host state Odi...