22nd Asian Athletics Championships kicks off today in Bhubaneswar

The 22nd Asian Athletics Championships will be today inaugurated at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Over 1,200 athletes and officials from 44 countries in Asia will witness the largest sporting event Odisha is organising.

Around 42 track and field events will be held in the championship and 20 world champions are likely to take part. The winners will qualify for the World Championship to be held from August 4-13 in London.

The multipurpose Kalinga Stadium has been transformed into a world-class track and field facility adhering to the norms of the International Association of Athletic Federation within a record period of 90 days.

Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, central ministers, and other dignitaries are likely to attend the inaugural ceremony of the athletics Championships.

The opening ceremony will have a cultural extravaganza. The Prince Dance Group and the Odisha Dance Academy will present their programmes while artists from other countries will also perform.

The administration has formed "Team Bhubaneswar", consisting of government officials, to ensure smooth conduct of the championships.

-ANI