World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, India, hosted the nation’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet at Kalinga Stadium. The one-day international event featured approximately 187 to 200 athletes representing 26 to 27 countries.

The competition included 18 track and field events for both men and women. Notable international participants included Paris 2024 bronze medalist Muzala Samukonga of Zambia and Nigerian shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi. The Indian contingent featured athletes such as Murali Sreeshankar, Ancy Sojan, Animesh Kujur, Yashvir Singh, Kishore Jena, and Bapi Hansda.

Organized by the Government of Odisha’s Sports and Youth Services Department and the Athletics Federation of India, the meet provided athletes with world ranking points and cash prizes. The event served as a preparation stage for the Asian Games and a precursor to future major championships scheduled for Kalinga Stadium in 2028.

In a significant upgrade from previous bronze-level competitions, the Silver Meet saw standout performances. In the javelin throw, Rohit Yadav recorded a throw of 87.68m, making him the second-best Indian javelin thrower of all time behind Neeraj Chopra. Despite a slippery track and a knee injury, Yadav’s mark ranked him fourth globally for the season.

In sprinting, South Africa’s Tshepo Jason Tyantini won the men’s 100m in 10.11 seconds, while India’s Abinaya Rajarajan secured the women’s 100m title with a time of 11.34 seconds.