65th National Open Athletics Championships 2026 is going to start, and this is the big stage every athlete has been working towards all season.
This is the same Nationals that all the State Championships — Karnataka, U.P., and others across the country — have been sending their qualified athletes to. Every state conducts its own trials, and the best athletes from each state earn their spot to compete here at the national level.
The championship will be held from 8th to 11th October 2026 at JLN Stadium, New Delhi.
Registration is closing soon, so athletes who have qualified through their state trials need to complete their entry without delay. As of now the countdown shows 15 days, 21 hours, 13 minutes left for registration, so this is not something to leave for later.
A few things athletes should keep in mind:
- This being the National Open Championship, only athletes who have met the qualifying marks or been selected through their respective State Meets, Indian Open Meets, or AFI-conducted events will be eligible to compete.
- Having your AFI UID number ready is compulsory for entry.
- Events will be conducted as per AFI’s official rules and regulations.
- Bib numbers are usually issued closer to the event, not much in advance.
- Athletes should plan their own travel and stay, as organisers typically don’t provide food or accommodation.
This is where all the hard work through the season the PBs, the season bests, the state-level trials comes together. For every athlete who’s qualified, this is the real target: performing their best in front of the whole country’s competition at JLN Stadium.