Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 23 (ANI): World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla and senior athletics officials highlighted the importance of the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour meet held in Bhubaneswar, saying the event will provide Indian athletes with valuable international exposure ahead of the Asian Games.

Speaking to ANI, Sumariwalla said the competition allowed Indian athletes to compete against some of the world's top performers without having to travel abroad.

'Well, it will really help in the future of the players because last year we had bronze; this year we have silver. We've got top athletes coming, people in the top 10 in the world, people in the top 25 in the world, people in the top 50 in the world,' Sumariwalla said.

'Our athletes are getting an opportunity to compete against them. They are able to see them; they are able to understand their different coaches who have come. So in the long run, it is very, very useful,' he added.

Former Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Lalit Kumar Bhanot said hosting a World Athletics event in India would benefit athletes by providing them with high-level competition at home.

'Number one, it is a World Athletics event. And it has gone to the whole world that India has hosted this event. A lot of high-ranking athletes have taken part. They have provided good competition,' Bhanot told ANI.

He added that the meet was planned ahead of the Asian Games to help Indian athletes improve their performances.

'It is a benefit to our athletes who are staying here and getting international competition sitting at home. They don't have to travel. Otherwise, travel--they have to waste a lot of time on travel, which they are saving. And it is a prize money competition. So it will benefit them before the Asian Games,' he said.

Former long jump champion and Athletics Federation of India senior vice-president Anju Bobby George also praised the organisation of the event, saying it provided athletes with an ideal platform before the continental showpiece.

'This is a very important year for athletes because we had the Commonwealth Games, and now we are heading for the Asian Games. This Silver Meet in Bhubaneswar, just before the Asian Games, is actually giving them good competition on their own soil with elite athletes,' Anju Bobby George told ANI.

She added that athletes are benefiting from competing against top-level opponents and praised the arrangements at the Kalinga Stadium.

'Here in Kalinga Stadium, they conducted it just like a Diamond League. Everything was well prepared and well organised. As an athlete and as an official from the Athletics Federation, we are extremely happy to see such events happening in India,' she added.

The World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour 2026 was held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, featuring several international and Indian athletes competing across track and field events. (ANI)