World Athletics Continental Tour 2026: Animesh Kujur, Gurindervir Singh Eye Strong Asian Games Build-Up

The World Athletics Continental Tour returns to Bhubaneswar on August 22 with a stronger international field and an upgraded Silver-level status. However, for India’s top athletes, the one-day competition carries significance beyond rankings and prize money.

The event is expected to serve as a crucial competitive test as several Indian athletes enter the final phase of their preparation for the Asian Games.

A total of 187 athletes from 27 countries are set to compete, including 36 athletes ranked inside the top 50 of the World Athletics rankings. The meet will feature some of India’s biggest names alongside international competitors across sprinting, middle-distance running, hurdles, jumps and throwing events.

Continental Tour 2026 Gets Silver-Level Upgrade

The Bhubaneswar meet has been upgraded to the Silver category, underlining India's growing presence on the international athletics calendar.

The competition will feature 18 disciplines, divided equally between men's and women's events. Athletes will also compete for valuable World Athletics ranking points.

The top three finishers in each event will receive prize money of $1,600 for gold, $1,200 for silver and $900 for bronze.

Among the international athletes expected to compete is Nigeria's Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, a Commonwealth Games champion and Paris Olympics finalist in the men's shot put.

Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh in Focus

Indian sprint stars Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh will be among the biggest attractions at the Continental Tour.

Both athletes will look to regain momentum after failing to reach their respective finals at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

The competition in Bhubaneswar offers them an opportunity to race against stronger international opponents, something Indian coaches believe is essential for improving their timings ahead of the Asian Games.

With the men's 200m not included in the programme, Animesh will focus entirely on the 100m sprint.

The field includes elite international sprinters, including athletes who have previously gone below the 10-second mark, giving India's top sprinters a high-quality competitive environment.

Animesh's coach Martin Owens believes competing against faster athletes can play an important role in helping both Animesh and Gurindervir improve their performances during the final phase of the season.

Indian Stars Use Bhubaneswar Meet as Asian Games Test

Several prominent Indian athletes are scheduled to compete before entering the next phase of their Asian Games preparations.

The Indian contingent includes:

• Animesh Kujur
• Gurindervir Singh
• Vishal TK
• Kartik Karkera
• Murali Sreeshankar
• Jyothi Yarraji
• Rohit Yadav
• Yashvir Singh
• Shivam Lokhare

Following the Continental Tour, several athletes are expected to continue their preparation through training camps before the Asian Games.

The Bhubaneswar event could therefore provide an important indication of their form and readiness ahead of one of the biggest sporting competitions on India's athletics calendar.

No Neeraj Chopra, But Strong Javelin Field

Neeraj Chopra will not be competing at the Continental Tour, meaning Indian fans will have to wait longer to watch the Olympic champion compete on home soil.

However, the men's javelin competition will still feature a strong Indian contingent.

Rohit Yadav, Commonwealth Games medallist Yashvir Singh and Maharashtra's Shivam Lokhare are among the athletes expected to take part. South African thrower Douw Smit will also compete in the event.

Kartik Karkera to Compete in 5000m

Marathon runner Kartik Karkera will take part in the 5000m despite primarily focusing on long-distance road running.

Karkera had been training in Kenya for marathon preparation before returning to India for the Continental Tour. The event will offer an interesting test as he transitions from marathon-specific training to the significantly different pace required for the 5000m.

The hot and humid conditions in Bhubaneswar could add another challenge for the athlete.

Continental Tour 2026 Event List

Men's Events

100m, 400m, 800m, 110m hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot put and javelin throw.

Women's Events

100m, 400m, 1500m, 100m hurdles, high jump, long jump, javelin throw and discus throw.

Continental Tour 2026 Livestream Details

The World Athletics Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm and will be streamed live on the World Athletics YouTube channel.

For Indian athletics, the competition is more than just another international meet. With the Asian Games approaching, performances in Bhubaneswar could provide a valuable boost for athletes looking to find form, gain confidence and test themselves against stronger international competition.