Kalinga Stadium turns into a training ground for Asian Indoor meet athletes

The indoor athletics facility at the Kalinga Stadium, which is in the race to host the 2028 World Indoor Championships, here has provided a fine training opportunity to the Asian Indoor meet-bound Indian athletes.

The campers feel the experience here will help them adapt to the indoor track during the competition in Tianjin, China, from February 6 to 8.

“I never had any experience of training on an indoor track. I was a little apprehensive because the track (offered good) speed. I did 6.15m in practice meet. It’s a great opportunity to get familiarised with the track prior to the competition,” Asian Games silver medallist long jumper Ancy Sojan told The Hindu.

Ancy, who struggled from sudden weight gain last year due to hormonal issues, has cut down eight kg in three months to be fit enough for her season-opener before gearing up for the Commonwealth Games and the Asiad.

“I think this year God will give (good) results. Sometimes I cry during the training because of putting (a lot of) pressure. It is hard in the Commonwealth Games but I need to win a medal in the Commonwealth and at the Asian Games.”

Sprinter Manikanta Hoblidhar, who will compete in 60m without any prior experience, clocked 10.22 and 10.19 in 2025. Now he wants to begin well. “There’s a lot of difference between indoor and outdoor tracks. I had a lot of pain after training for two days. It’s a speedy track with a lot of bounce. You need to be much fitter to run on this, as you need to put in more effort,” said Manikanta.

Hurdler and long jumper Moumita Mondal achieved her personal best before suffering a back injury last year. “I’ve trained on an indoor track, laid outdoors, in Russia. Training here is an advantage. I am fit to compete, but my focus will be hurdles,” said Moumita.

Another hurdler Pragyan Prasanti Sahu is also returning from an injury and wants to make it count. “I am privileged to train here. I’ve no expectations,” said Pragyan.