The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is set to shake things up in the domestic athletic landscape, aiming to elevate the performance of Indian athletes on the international stage. Starting from the 2025 season, the AFI will restructure the domestic competition and qualification system for major international events. This overhaul comes in response to the concerning decline in Indian athlete performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with athletes failing to maintain their pre-Games form.
President Adille Sumariwalla, speaking on the sidelines of the fourth South Asian Junior Athletics Championship, highlighted the need for a system that allows athletes to peak at the right time. The new qualification system will require athletes to compete in a specific number of domestic competitions to earn valuable points. This approach is designed to ensure consistent performance and give the AFI selection panel a clearer picture of an athlete’s readiness for international events.
Sumariwalla emphasized that the AFI is focused on boosting athlete performance for major events like the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships and World Athletics Championships. The new structure will provide athletes with more opportunities to compete closer to home through increased regional competitions. From next season, the AFI plans to host at least 30 domestic competitions, giving athletes a greater platform to showcase their skills and build their competitive edge.
The AFI is also taking a more decentralized approach to training, eliminating national preparatory camps and allowing athletes to train at regional centers of their choice. This move aims to provide athletes with a more personalized training environment and cater to their specific needs and preferences. The AFI expects a minimum of 1000 athletes to participate in these regional training centers, fostering a more localized and inclusive training structure.
Sumariwalla reaffirmed the AFI’s commitment to a ‘no needle policy’, highlighting their continued collaboration with the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) to combat the issue of doping in athletics. The AFI is taking a proactive approach, working with all stakeholders to ensure a fair and clean competition for all athletes. This commitment to clean sport is a crucial element in building a stronger and more respectable Indian athletics community.
