AFI to introduce points-based qualification system for international tournaments

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) plans to restructure the domestic competition and qualification system for major international events from the 2025 season, president Adille Sumariwalla said here on Wednesday.

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the fourth South Asian Junior Athletics Championships, Sumariwalla confirmed that there is a plan to restructure the qualification system for international events in the future so that the athletes can 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," Sumariwalla said.

The 2025 Asian Athletics Championships and World Athletics Championships are two major events next year.

When asked about the poor performance of Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics, Sumariwalla said," There was a sudden decline in the performance of the athletes in Paris. The athletes should have clocked a personal best or advanced to the final of their respective events."

Focus on regional competitions from next year

From the next calendar year, AFI is moving towards a system of regional tournaments after the decentralization of the national camps.

"The athletes will get more opportunities to compete close to their homes. There is a plan to have at least 30 domestic competitions from next season.," the AFI president said.

Due to decentralisation of the national camps, Sumariwalla said there will be no national preparatory camps to prepare for international meets.

"The athletes will train at regional centres and places of their choice. We expect a minimum of 1000 athletes in various centers across the county.," he said.