India is set to host its first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Silver-level meet, with the competition scheduled to take place on 22 August 2026 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The prestigious meet will feature 18 events, equally divided between the men’s and women’s programmes, and is expected to attract several leading Indian and international athletes.

18 Events to Feature at the Bhubaneswar Meet

Men’s Events

Women’s Events

The competition will provide Indian athletes with an opportunity to compete against international opposition on home soil while gaining valuable experience at a high-level World Athletics-sanctioned meet.

Asian Games-Bound Athletes Expected to Compete

The meet is also expected to feature athletes selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games, making it an important part of the country’s preparations for the continental event.

Several international athletes are also expected to compete, adding further quality to the fields across the 18 events.

With the Asian Games approaching, the Bhubaneswar meet could provide India’s leading athletes with one of their final opportunities to test themselves in competitive action before heading to the continental championships.

The staging of India’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet also marks an important step for the country’s athletics calendar, bringing an international-level competition to Kalinga Stadium and providing Indian athletes with a chance to compete against some of the world’s leading performers on home soil.

India’s young athletes delivered one of the country’s most encouraging performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, Oregon, returning home with three medals, two silver and one bronze. More importantly, the championships showed that India’s junior athletics system is now producing athletes capable of competing consistently with the world’s best.

At the 2026 World U20 Athletics Championships, India finished 27th in the placing table with three medals, two silver and one bronze.

This is India’s second-best showing, behind the 2021 edition, in which the number of medals was the same: two silvers and one bronze. In 2021, Shaili Singh won silver in the women’s long jump, Amit won silver in the men’s 10,000m race walk, and India won bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay, while Indian athletes also recorded eight final appearances.

ASHISH YADAV LEADS THE CHARGE WITH JAVELIN SILVER

The standout Indian performance came from Ashish Yadav, who won silver in the men’s javelin throw.

His achievement carried special emotional significance for Indian athletics. Exactly ten years after Neeraj Chopra won the World U20 title in 2016, another Indian javelin thrower stood on the global podium. The young Indian thrower produced a best effort of 74.09m to finish on the podium.

The result reinforced India’s growing reputation as a global force in javelin throwing and highlighted the strength of the country’s junior throwing programme.

BASANT MEGHWAL CREATES HISTORY IN HIGH JUMP

India’s second silver medal came through Basant Meghwal in the men’s high jump.

Competing against a world-class field, Basant cleared crucial heights under pressure and stayed in contention for gold until the final stages of the event. His silver medal is the best-ever performance by an Indian male high jumper at the World U20 level and demonstrated the progress India has made in the vertical jumps.

Basant matched his lifetime best clearance of 2.21m to secure India’s second medal.

All three medal-winning athletes cleared the same height of 2.21m in the high jump. The medals were therefore decided on countback, based on the number of attempts taken at previous heights.

SHAHNAVAZ KHAN WINS BRONZE IN LONG JUMP

Shahnavaz Khan completed India’s medal tally by winning bronze in the men’s long jump, with a best jump of 7.84m at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026.

This is India’s first-ever medal in the men’s long jump at the World U20 Championships. Although Shahnavaz entered the competition with a season-best jump of 8.30m, which was the second-best mark in the world this season, the result will surely serve as an important learning experience for the youngster for the future.

WOMEN’S 4X400M RELAY

India’s relay squads also produced noteworthy performances during the championships. The Indian team qualified for the World U20 final with 3:39.53s.

The women’s 4x400m relay team of Bhoomika Nehate, Tahura Khatun, Tanu, and Thiya Arumugam reached the final and finished 9th overall across all heats. Although the team finished last in the final, they clocked 3:45.28s at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026.

A noteworthy individual performance came from 19-year-old quarter-miler Mohd. Ashfaq. The youngster produced three of the best races of his career in Eugene.

Ashfaq began his campaign by breaking the Indian U20 national record, clocking 45.81s in the 400m heats to qualify for the semifinals. In the semifinals, he produced another outstanding performance, finishing third in his race and ninth overall with 46.00s to secure a place in the world final.

In the final, against a strong field in which the gold, silver, and bronze medallists all clocked sub-45-second times, Ashfaq finished 8th in the men’s 400m final, clocking 46.20s.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Along with these positives, India also had some disappointments.

Nitin Gupta, who had entered the competition as one of the strongest medal contenders based on his season-best and world-leading time of 18:54.37, was unable to reproduce that form in the final and missed out on the podium. He finished 6th in the men’s 5000m race walk, clocking 19:32.30s.

Another major disappointment came through Pooja, one of the country’s biggest medal hopes. She finished 7th in the women’s high jump final after failing to clear 1.87m, ending her campaign with a best clearance of 1.84m.

Prakriti Atal produced an impressive performance in the girls’ U14 triathlon at the Annual Delhi State Athletics Championship, scoring 2,614 points to finish first and win the gold medal.

Her total is higher than the current Indian U14 triathlon record of 2,519 points, set by Devika in 2024.

Prakriti Atal’s Performance

Prakriti’s 2,614-point total is 95 points higher than the existing Indian U14 record tally.

However, despite producing a higher score, the performance is unlikely to be officially ratified as a national record, as the competition was held at the state level and is not certified by World Athletics.

Prakriti nevertheless produced a standout performance, winning the event and surpassing the existing national-record points tally.

ByNews Desk

Norway delivered a sensational performance in the mixed 4x400m relay at the European Athletics Championships, anchoring a star-studded lineup to victory in record-breaking fashion.

Powered by world-class quarter-milers and hurdle specialists, the Norwegian quartet blazed around the track to clock a new Championship Record, leaving the rest of the field battling for silver and bronze in one of the most thrilling races of the meet.

A Dominant Display of Speed and Depth

From the opening gun, Norway established control with an aggressive lead leg, setting a blistering pace that stretched the field early. Smooth baton exchanges and tactical composure through the middle legs kept Norway at the front, thwarting repeated surge attempts from competing European powerhouses.

By the time the baton reached the anchor leg, Norway had carved out a decisive gap. A powering home straight finish sealed the historic victory, stopping the clock in record time and triggering jubilation among the team and fans alike.

The mixed 4x400m relay continues to grow in stature on the global athletics calendar, and Norway’s record-shattering outing underlines the depth of their quarter-mile talent. The triumph adds another major relay milestone to Norway’s growing footprint in international track and field.

In his first competitive appearance after an 11-month injury layoff, Norwegian distance phenom Jakob Ingebrigtsen proved once again why he remains the undisputed king of European track and field. Clocking 13:15.29, the 25-year-old staged a tactical masterclass to clinch the 5,000m gold on the opening night of the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

The victory marks Ingebrigtsen’s seventh individual outdoor European title, cementing his status as the most decorated male athlete in the event’s history. Germany’s Florian Bremm took silver in 13:15.60, while France’s Etienne Daguinos captured bronze in 13:16.09.

Coming off an Achilles tendon surgery that sidelined him following the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, questions lingered over Ingebrigtsen’s fitness entering the race. However, operating with his trademark tactical poise, the Norwegian spent the early laps comfortably at the back of the pack before unleashing a blistering 54.94-second final lap to overtake Bremm on the home straight.

“With 600 metres to go, I knew I was going to win,” Ingebrigtsen said post-race. “I doubted myself every minute leading up to the last lap. But being healthy again, back racing, and feeling like myself… I’m happy.”

Ingebrigtsen remains unbeaten in European outdoor championship finals since his breakthrough 1,500m/5,000m double as a 17-year-old in Berlin eight years ago. Focusing solely on the 5,000m in Birmingham, the two-time Olympic champion’s triumphant comeback signals a complete recovery as he sets his sights on the rest of the outdoor campaign.

By Victoria Worley 

Amy Hunt produced her definitive coming-of-age moment on the international stage, storming to 100m glory in Birmingham to claim her first individual senior title and secure Britain’s opening gold medal of the European Athletics Championships.

he victory follows a string of near-misses for the British sprinter. Hunt made her major individual breakthrough last year by claiming 200m silver at the World Championships in Tokyo, before backing it up with a 100m silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just two weeks ago.

“I have had such a string of silvers and I was starting to get a bit fed up with it, so I thought it was time for gold,” Hunt told reporters following her win.

Her motivation was reinforced by a personal gesture from her family:

“My parents gifted me these gold earrings to finally level up, because I wear all-silver jewellery. They said it was time for gold—they left me that note two nights ago—so it made me quite emotional. It was definitely time for me to come of age here.“

Hunt first captured international attention in 2019 when she set a women’s under-18 world record over 200m (22.42 seconds), shattering Dina Asher-Smith’s British under-20 record in the process. However, bridging the gap to senior success proved to be a multi-year test of resilience.

For several years, Hunt balanced elite athletic training with studying for an English Literature degree at Cambridge University. Physical setbacks also took a toll, including a ruptured quad muscle in 2022.

It took six years to improve upon her teenage personal bests, but the turning point came after her graduation in 2023, when she relocated to Padua in northern Italy to train full-time under renowned coach Marco Airale.

  With her 100m crown secured and additional events on her schedule—including the 200m and sprint relays—Hunt’s golden performance signals a clear changing of the guard at the top of British sprinting.  

The World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene has delivered a series of spectacular performances, with young athletes from around the world producing championship records, personal bests, national records and historic firsts.

Here are the gold-medal performances featured in the GFX, arranged according to the visual alignment:

Aseel Osama Abdel Hamid Makes History for Egypt

Aseel Osama Abdel Hamid created history by winning the women’s javelin throw gold medal with a sensational 59.82m on her final attempt.

Her victory earned Egypt its first-ever medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships, making the achievement a landmark moment for Egyptian athletics.

Tate Taylor Completes Historic Sprint Treble

USA’s Tate Taylor made history by becoming the first athlete in the 40-year history of the World Athletics U20 Championships to complete the men’s sprint treble.

He won gold in all three events:

  • 🥇 100m – 9.94s (PB)
  • 🥇 200m – 19.83s (Championship Record)
  • 🥇 4×100m Relay – 38.16s (World U20 Record)

Taylor’s remarkable championship campaign puts him in a unique place in World U20 history.

Mia Maxwell Completes Historic American Sprint Double

USA’s Mia Maxwell won the women’s 200m gold medal in a personal best of 22.37s, adding the title to her earlier 100m victory in 11.14s.

She became the first American woman to complete the 100m and 200m double at the World Athletics U20 Championships.

Michal Rada Sets European U20 Record

Czechia’s Michal Rada delivered a historic performance in the men’s 400m hurdles, winning gold in 48.59s.

The 18-year-old’s performance established a new European U20 record, adding another major milestone to his championship campaign.

Imad Bouchajda Wins Men’s 800m Gold

Imad Bouchajda claimed the men’s 800m world title after clocking an impressive 1:44.65.

His performance secured gold in a high-quality middle-distance final and established him as one of the standout performers of the championships.

Jan-Hendrik Heymans Produces Winning Final Throw

South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans secured men’s javelin gold with a spectacular 80.50m on his final attempt.

The throw was a personal best and World U20 lead, allowing Heymans to snatch the title with his last effort.

Anastazja Kucs Breaks Polish U20 Record

Poland’s Anastazja Kucs won the women’s 400m title in 51.06s.

Her winning performance also established a new Polish U20 record, making her world champion while rewriting the national junior record.

Emmanuel Kiprono Sets Championship Record

Kenya’s Emmanuel Kiprono dominated the men’s 3000m, winning gold in 7:28.28.

His outstanding run also produced a new championship record, highlighting the quality of his performance on the global junior stage.

Michael-Andre Edwards Wins Triple Jump Gold

Jamaica’s Michael-Andre Edwards captured men’s triple jump gold with a dramatic final-round effort of 17.08m (+1.1).

The jump was a personal best, coming when it mattered most to secure the World U20 title.

Jiawei Chen Claims Hammer Throw Gold

China’s Jiawei Chen won the men’s hammer throw title with a winning effort of 79.16m.

The throw secured the World U20 championship title and added another gold medal to an action-packed field-events programme in Eugene.

A Championship Full of Historic Performances

From Tate Taylor’s unprecedented sprint treble and Mia Maxwell’s historic American sprint double to Aseel Osama Abdel Hamid’s first-ever World U20 medal for Egypt and Michal Rada’s European U20 record, Eugene has produced a remarkable collection of performances.

With championship records, national records, personal bests and historic milestones continuing to emerge, the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships have showcased the extraordinary depth of the next generation of global athletics.

USA’s Tate Taylor created history at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, becoming the first athlete in the 40-year history of the championships to complete the men’s sprint treble.

Taylor achieved the remarkable feat by winning gold in the 100m, 200m and 4×100m relay, producing three outstanding performances across the championships.

His historic campaign began in the 100m, where he clocked a sensational 9.94s to win the gold medal and record a personal best. The performance established Taylor as the fastest athlete in the field and set the tone for what would become an unprecedented championship.

He then completed the individual sprint double in the 200m, producing another exceptional performance. Taylor stopped the clock at 19.83s, winning gold while setting a new championship record.

The American sprinter completed his historic treble in the men’s 4×100m relay. Running alongside Blake Hamilton, Dillon Mitchell and Kyler Brown, Taylor helped the USA clock 38.16s, securing gold and setting a new World U20 record.

Tate Taylor’s Historic Treble

🥇 100m – 9.94s (PB)
🥇 200m – 19.83s (Championship Record)
🥇 4×100m Relay – 38.16s (World U20 Record)

The achievement places Taylor in a unique position in the history of the World Athletics U20 Championships. Across the 40-year history of the competition, no previous athlete had completed the 100m–200m–4×100m relay sprint treble.

Taylor’s performances have therefore made him one of the defining athletes of the 2026 championships. His individual speed, combined with his contribution to the record-breaking American relay team, has produced a campaign featuring three gold medals, a personal best, a championship record and a world U20 record.

The 2026 edition in Eugene will now be remembered as the championships where Tate Taylor became the first athlete to complete the historic sprint treble.

The United States produced a record-breaking performance in the men’s 4×100m relay at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, winning the gold medal while setting a new World U20 record.

The American quartet of Blake Hamilton, Dillon Mitchell, Kyler Brown and Tate Taylor clocked an outstanding 38.16s to take the title and rewrite the championship record books.

Their performance broke the previous World U20 record of 38.16s, establishing a new benchmark for the men’s 4×100m relay at the junior level.

The American team delivered a strong performance in the final, combining speed and efficient baton exchanges to secure the gold medal on home soil. The victory added another major highlight to the USA’s campaign at the global junior championships.

USA Men’s 4×100m Relay

🇺🇸 Blake Hamilton
🇺🇸 Dillon Mitchell
🇺🇸 Kyler Brown
🇺🇸 Tate Taylor

⏱️ Time: 38.16s
🥇 Gold Medal
🌍 New World U20 Record

The record-breaking performance underlined the depth of American sprinting at the junior level and provided one of the standout moments of the championships in Eugene.

For Hamilton, Mitchell, Brown and Taylor, the gold medal is now accompanied by a place in the record books, with their 38.16s becoming the new World U20 benchmark in the men’s 4×100m relay.

India’s women’s 4×400m relay team finished ninth in the final at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026, clocking 3:45.28s in the championship race.

The Indian quartet featured Bhoomika Nehate, Tahura Khatun, Tanu Chaudhary and Thiya Arumugam, with all four athletes contributing to India’s performance in the final.

India’s Relay Splits

  • Bhoomika Nehate – 57.75s
  • Tahura Khatun – 55.37s
  • Tanu Chaudhary – 54.98s
  • Thiya Arumugam – 57.18s

India’s final time of 3:45.28s placed the team ninth overall, bringing its campaign in the women’s 4×400m relay to a close.

The United States won the gold medal with a championship-winning time of 3:29.15s. Australia claimed silver after clocking 3:31.39s, while Great Britain completed the podium with 3:32.08s.

Final Standings

🥇 USA – 3:29.15s
🥈 Australia – 3:31.39s
🥉 Great Britain – 3:32.08s
🇮🇳 India – 9th, 3:45.28s

For the Indian quartet, competing in a global championship final provided valuable experience against some of the strongest junior relay teams in the world. The final also offered the young athletes an opportunity to compete under major-championship pressure and test themselves at the highest level of U20 athletics.

Although India finished outside the medal positions, reaching the final represents an important international experience for the four-member squad as they continue their development in the 400m and relay events.