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Duplantis in focus as Bhubaneswar gears up for historic World Indoor Championships 2028

India to host the 2028 indoor athletics event; Duplantis likely to be the biggest global star attraction.

By Sohini Bhattacharyya

Mar 20, 2026 23:49 IST

India is set to script history by hosting the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar. This will mark the first time the country stages the prestigious global indoor track and field competition, signalling its growing stature in international sports hosting.

Will Duplantis be the star attraction?

All eyes could be on Armand Duplantis, widely regarded as the greatest pole vaulter of all time. The Olympic champion and world record holder has dominated the sport in recent years and is expected to remain a key figure in global athletics by 2028.

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If he participates, Duplantis could become the face of the event and a major draw for fans across India.

Duplantis's record-breaking era in pole vault

Armand Duplantis continued his extraordinary dominance in athletics by setting a new pole vault world record of 6.31 metres at the Mondo Classic in Sweden. The Olympic champion surpassed his own previous mark by 1 cm, marking yet another milestone in a career filled with record-breaking performances. This was his 15th world record, underlining his consistency and unmatched excellence in the sport. Duplantis cleared earlier heights with ease before achieving the historic jump, thrilling fans once again. His relentless pursuit of perfection continues to redefine the limits of pole vaulting globally.

World-class venue in Bhubaneswar

The championship will be held at the Kalinga Indoor Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that has already hosted several international sporting events. The venue is expected to meet global standards, ensuring top-tier competition conditions for athletes. Hosting the event is part of India’s broader push to establish itself as a global sports hub.

It is seen as a stepping stone toward bigger ambitions, including a potential bid for future Olympic Games. The event will also help popularise indoor athletics in a country where outdoor formats dominate.

Will this event be a landmark opportunity for fans?

For Indian sports enthusiasts, the 2028 championships could offer a rare chance to witness world-class athletes like Duplantis compete live on home soil:an experience that could inspire the next generation of track and field stars.

The 2028 championships are expected to draw worldwide attention, with top athletes, coaches, and fans converging in India. With stars like Duplantis likely to feature, the event could significantly boost India’s visibility in global athletics.

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It will also open doors for sponsorships, tourism, and international collaborations, further strengthening India’s position in the global sports ecosystem.

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