AFI to restructure domestic events

THE Athletics Federation of India (AFI) plans to restructure the domestic competition and qualification system for major international events, including Olympics, from the 2025 season.

- ASHOK VENUGOPAL

Adille Sumariwalla, president of AFI who was in Chennai, for the fourth edition of South Asian Junior Athletics Championship at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday, said that the new measures will be in place for the benefit of athletes. Lalit Bhanot who heads the South Asian Athletics Federation too was present.

Sumariwalla is ending his 12year tenure this month. The AFI chief said that there is a plan to restructure the qualification system for international events in future so that the athletes are able to peak at the right time.

"To qualify for major international events the athletes will have to compete in a certain number of domestic competitions to earn valuable points," Sumariwalla added. "A steady performance will be a big advantage to get a nod from the AFI selection panel."

"We have been discussing with our athletes, and a lot of them are talking about affordable competitions. They want more competitions at their regional level, at their state level. So AFI is in the process of reframing our competition calendar," said Sumariwalla.