Bhubaneswar: The 58th National Open Athletics Championships kicked off at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today with around 805 athletes from across the country taking part in the sporting extravaganza.
The four-day event from September 25th to 28th is being organised by Odisha Government’s Sports & Youth Services Department.
According to sources, while qualifying rounds will be held between 7 am to 10 am everyday, medal events will take place from 6 pm to 10 pm in the evening.
A 15-member team including international athletes Purnima Hembram, Jauna Murmu, Amiya Mallick and Parbati Sethi will represent Odisha in the event.
Indian athletes who won medals at the recently held Asian Games 2018 will also be part of the event.
However, notable athletes like javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and sprinters Hima Das and Dutee Chand will not be participating in the meet.
Last year, Bhubaneswar hosted the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships.
Prasanta Patnaik