Kalinga Stadium to host Hero Intercontinental Cup, Inter-States Athletic Championships simultaneously

The Hero Intercontinental Cup starts on Friday, 9 June.

In a recent announcement, the Odisha Sports Secretary, Vineel Krishna has confirmed that the prestigious Kalinga Stadium has been selected as the venue for not only one but two major sporting events: the Hero Intercontinental Cup and the Inter-States Athletic Championships. Both the tournaments will be held on the same dates. This decision is set to elevate the profile of Odisha as a hub for international sports competitions.

The Odisha Sports Secretary, Vineel Krishna informed myKhel, "We committed to both AIFF (All India Football Federation) and AFI to host the events and tried that dates don't collide. But they both have their own deadlines to meet so postponing any of the events was not an option.

"With the desired infrastructure in place, the solution we came down to was that the there will be no evening sessions of athletics on June 14 and 18 as AFI agreed to make the tournament a six-day event to accommodate the evening sessions on June 19," he added.

The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, one of India's most popular sporting venues, has recently mounted a strong name for itself. It has formerly hosted a number of extensive sporting events, including the 2018 Hockey World Cup, and gained a recognition for its prolific amenities and excellent infrastructure.

The Hero Intercontinental Cup, a highly anticipated football tournament among national teams from multiple continents, will bring together several top footballing international sides against each other. This renowned competition strives to showcase the abilities of contenders at a grand stage.

The Inter-States Athletic Championships

Athletes from other states of India will participate in a variety of disciplines at the Inter-States Athletic Championships, another important event on the Indian sporting calendar. Promising athletes can use this tournament as a stage to demonstrate their talents and get attention on a national and global level.

Krishna has also mentioned that there will be "no hindrance in organising both events together".

The decision of handing the Kalinga Stadium the hosting obligations is a reflection of Odisha's success in planning important athletic events recently. The state has consistently been at the forefront in developing athletic talent and encouraging sports. Odisha has gained immense popularity as a host state of numerous international and national tournaments due to its rich athletic tradition and welcoming climate.

In addition to giving athletes a stage to compete at the highest level, the upcoming competitions will also greatly promote tourism and strengthen the local economy. It is anticipated that the flood of competitors, officials, and spectators from around the globe would provide significant income and aid in the development of the area.

To ensure the festivities are carried out properly, preparations have already begun. The authorities are working hard to make sure that all required preparations, such as accommodations, safety precautions, and transit facilities, are made.

The start of the Hero Intercontinental Cup and Inter-State Athletic Championships at the venerable Kalinga Stadium is highly anticipated by sports fans and aficionados. These occasions are expected to bring exhilarating athletic activity and priceless memories, further solidifying Odisha's position as India's top sporting destination.