The Kalinga Stadium is set to come alive on Sunday as India’s top track and field athletes gear up for the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet, a one-day competition carrying a prize purse of $25,000 and attracting participants from over 15 countries.
Leading the charge for the home contingent will be Annu Rani, India’s most accomplished female javelin thrower, and Animesh Kujur, the promising 200m sprinter, both of whom have their eyes firmly set on fine-tuning their performances ahead of next month’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Annu Rani Targets Season Best Upgrade
Fresh from a season-best throw of 62.59m at the Continental Tour meet in Poland earlier this week, 32-year-old Annu Rani arrives in Bhubaneswar brimming with confidence. That performance, achieved on August 6, not only gave her momentum but also elevated her to 30th place in the World Championships qualification rankings.
For Rani, the timing could not be better. With the World Athletics Championships scheduled from September 13–21 in Japan, she views Sunday’s meet as an opportunity to build on her form and possibly edge closer to the automatic qualification mark of 64m.
“I think a throw of 62.59m during the Continental Tour in Poland has come at the right time,” Annu said on Saturday. “I would like to add some distance to my performance in the next two weeks.”
Currently, 11 women’s javelin throwers worldwide have breached the automatic qualifying mark, while the remaining berths will be filled through the world ranking quota system. With the qualification window closing on August 24, every competition from now on is critical.
The Uttar Pradesh athlete, who won gold at the 2023 Asian Games, also takes comfort in the familiarity of Bhubaneswar’s weather.
“I’m used to Bhubaneswar’s local weather conditions,” she said. “I should be able to do my best at the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meet on Sunday.”
Animesh Kujur Eyes Ranking Boost in Men’s 200m
While Annu’s Worlds berth is nearly assured, Animesh Kujur is still working to solidify his spot. The 200m specialist currently ranks 42nd in the world, with the top 48 athletes eligible for Tokyo. His personal best and national record of 20.32 seconds remains competitive, but the automatic qualifying mark of 20.16 seconds remains elusive.
For Kujur, Sunday represents more than just another race it’s a chance to harness the home advantage to gain crucial world ranking points.
“I’m looking forward to gaining home advantage on Sunday,” Kujur said. “My focus will be only on the 200m.”
With heats in the morning and the main events in the evening, Kujur will look to execute a strong, controlled race that can give him the rankings boost he needs before the qualification deadline.
Other Indian Contenders in Action
The Bhubaneswar meet will also feature several other Indian athletes chasing ranking points and fine-tuning their preparations for global competition.
- Sachin Yadav – A promising javelin thrower aiming to establish himself among India’s next generation in the event.
- Murali Sreeshankar – The long jump star will look to sharpen his form and make a statement ahead of Tokyo.
- Shaili Singh – One of India’s brightest long jump talents, seeking both ranking points and consistency before the Worlds.
International Field Adds to the Competition
Adding depth to the competition will be athletes from Malaysia, Iran, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and several other countries. With more than 15 nations represented, the meet offers Indian athletes the dual benefit of testing themselves against international opposition while also scoring points in a World Athletics-sanctioned event.
The Continental Tour Bronze label ensures that ranking points earned here contribute directly to qualification for major championships, making it a pivotal stop for athletes still chasing spots for Tokyo.
Event Structure and Timing
The one-day event will follow a two-session format:
- Morning session – Heats and preliminary rounds across track events.
- Evening session – Main finals, field event showdowns, and the marquee races and throws expected to draw large crowds.
The Kalinga Stadium, known for its fast track and strong home support, is expected to provide an electric atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike.
The Road to Tokyo: A Critical Window
The World Athletics Championships qualification window closes on August 24, 2025, giving athletes fewer than two weeks after this meet to secure their berths. The qualification process includes:
- Automatic Qualification – Achieving the set standard (e.g., 64m in women’s javelin, 20.16s in men’s 200m).
- World Ranking Quota – Based on cumulative points from performances in recognized events, weighted by meet category.
For athletes like Rani and Kujur, Sunday’s meet is more than a test of form it’s a decisive step toward confirming their place in Japan.
What to Watch For on Sunday
- Annu Rani’s Consistency – Can she push beyond her season best of 62.59m and close in on the 64m mark?
- Animesh Kujur’s Sprint Execution – Will the home crowd and favorable conditions help him dip under 20.32s?
- Javelin and Long Jump Battles – With domestic stars and international challengers in the mix, expect tight contests in these events.
- Weather Factor – Familiarity with Bhubaneswar’s humid conditions could benefit local athletes over foreign entrants.
Sunday’s World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet at Bhubaneswar is more than just another competition on the calendar it’s a staging ground for Indian athletes to test their readiness for the world stage. For Annu Rani, it’s about fine-tuning her throw ahead of Tokyo and edging closer to automatic qualification.
For Animesh Kujur, it’s about seizing every point and opportunity to break into the elite 200m field at the Worlds.
With a strong Indian contingent, an international field, and the clock ticking toward the qualification deadline, the stage is set for a high-intensity evening at the Kalinga Stadium. If all goes well, it could be a night when the home crowd witnesses performances that echo all the way to Tokyo.
