India Hosts 1st World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze-Level Event at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Sports
The Indian Open World Athletics Continental Tour (WACT) Bronze Meet 2025 was held on August 10, 2025, at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking India’s debut in hosting a World Athletics Continental Tour (WACT) Bronze-level (Category C) event, featuring top athletes from across the globe.
- The one-day event witnessed the participation of over 150 athletes from 17 countries, competing in 19 events. The total prize purse for the competition was set at USD – United States Dollar 25,000, making it a significant international athletics meet in India.
- Over 90 athletes represented India, while others hailed from countries including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Korea, Djibouti, Iraq, and Great Britain, competing in various track and field categories. This wide international representation enhanced the competitive atmosphere of the event.
Main Point :- (i) One of the top Indian highlights was the performance of 17-year-old Shahnawaz Khan from Uttar Pradesh, who created history by breaking the U18 – Under 18 years national record in the men’s long jump. He leapt 8.04 metres, securing the silver medal.
(ii) Khan’s leap placed him at number 2 in the 2025 U18 – Under 18 years world list, number 4 in the U20 – Under 20 years world list, and number 1 in the U18 Asian list. His achievement was a major boost for India’s athletics prospects at the youth level.
(iii) Notable international performances included Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga winning the men’s javelin throw with an 86.50m throw, surpassing the qualification mark for the World Athletics Championships (WAC). Great Britain’s Louise Evans claimed victory in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.28 seconds.
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