Asian Athletics: IAAF President happy with Kalinga Stadium infrastructure

Bhubaneswar: The President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Lord Sebastian Coe today praised the facilities and infrastructure of the Kalinga Stadium, the venue for the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship that will be inaugurated tomorrow.

"I went to the warm up area, saw athletes practicing there and saw the facilities there. The warm up area is one of the best I've ever seen," said Coe. "Though I was not supposed to see the rehearsal of the inaugural event since that is supposed to be a surprise for me, I'm sorry I entered the main area too where the rehearsal was on. The infrastructure looked good. From what I witnessed, the athletes are very pleased with the facilities," said Coe.

He added that since his family heritage is linked with India, he is happy to be back here in India and particularly pleased to be in Bhubaneswar which he is visiting for the first time.

The IAAF President also said a Council meeting was held today where a road map for development of track and field events was discussed, particularly focusing Asia and India.