Bhubaneswar to Host Junior & Senior Artistic Gymnastics Nationals 2026–27 at Kalinga Stadium

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Gymnastics Association (OGA) on Friday announced that the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships 2026–27 will be held at Kalinga Stadium from April 25 to May 3, 2026.

The championships are being organised by OGA in collaboration with the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI), with support from the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha.

The announcement was made during a press conference attended by key officials including Bijay Kumar Swain, Additional Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department; Kallol Mukherjee, Chief Operating Officer of GFI; Ashok Sahoo, Secretary of OGA; Dhiran Panda, Executive Member of OGA; Dhiroj Kumar Pattnaik, Officer on Special Duty, Sports and Youth Services Department; Rakesh Patra, National Coach of the Indian gymnastics team; and Ashok Mishra, Competition Manager.

Addressing the media, Kallol Mukherjee highlighted the importance of the championship in the national sporting calendar, stating that performances at the event will play a key role in selecting athletes for major international competitions such as the Asian Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Bijay Kumar Swain underlined Odisha’s growing stature in sports, noting that the state has been consistently investing in world-class infrastructure, scientific training, and grassroots development. He said hosting such national events reflects Odisha’s commitment to becoming a leading hub for sporting excellence.

OGA Secretary Ashok Sahoo said the championship will serve as a crucial selection trial for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Asian Championships. He added that the event provides a vital platform for gymnasts across the country to showcase their skills and gain competitive exposure.

The championship is expected to witness participation from over 600 gymnasts representing 25 states, three Union Territories, and service boards. Competitions will be held across Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), including team events, individual all-around contests, and apparatus finals in both junior and senior categories.

Prominent Indian gymnasts such as Pranati Nayak, Tapan Mohanty, Yogeshwar Singh, Asish Kumar, Protishta Samanta, and Tapeswaranath Das are likely to compete alongside emerging talents.

The event will be conducted on FIG-approved apparatus and supported by a technical panel of over 300 officials, including judges, coaches, and support staff, ensuring adherence to international standards. Athletes will also have access to dedicated warm-up and training facilities near the high-performance gymnastics centre.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for April 25. Competitions will take place in multiple sessions, with the men’s finals and closing ceremony set for April 28, while the women’s finals will conclude on May 3.

The return of the National Championships to Odisha marks a significant milestone in the state’s sporting journey, highlighting collaborative efforts between OGA, GFI, and the state government to promote gymnastics from grassroots to elite levels.