Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 3: In a move aimed at strengthening India’s medal chances in athletics at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Saturday announced the qualification standards for the continental event well in advance.

AFI officials said the early release of benchmarks is intended to give athletes sufficient time to plan their training and competition schedules, peak at the right moment and target podium finishes later in the season.

Unveiling the criteria, AFI spokesperson and former president Adille Sumariwalla said the federation would ensure depth in selection by shortlisting a minimum of two eligible athletes per event. The final size of the Indian athletics contingent will be decided by the AFI selection panel closer to the Games.

“Athletes now have enough time to prepare, peak correctly and secure qualification for one of the most important international competitions of 2026,” Sumariwalla said. He added that performances by India’s core group of athletes in 2025 had been encouraging and pointed to a positive outlook for the upcoming season.

Reflecting on past success, Sumariwalla noted that Indian athletics had won 29 medals, including six gold, at the 2022 Asian Games in China. “India finished sixth overall in track and field events in the last Asian Games, and that position has been set as the benchmark for Japan. I am confident we can do even better this time,” he said.

While the sixth-place finish has been used as the general qualification reference, the AFI has set slightly higher benchmarks—fifth place—for certain events such as the 200m, 400m, 800m and high hurdles, signalling a push for stronger performances in key disciplines.

Sumariwalla said the qualification standards have already been shared with the central government and the Sports Ministry. He added that criteria for endurance events such as the race walk and marathon will be finalised and announced shortly.

The domestic athletics season will begin with the National Cross Country Championships on January 24. The National Senior Athletics Federation Competition, the first major track and field meet of the year, is scheduled for May 22–25 in Bhubaneswar, followed by the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships from July 8 to 12, also in Bhubaneswar. Both meets will serve as crucial qualification opportunities for Asian Games aspirants.

AFI also reiterated participation requirements, making it mandatory for athletes to compete in their respective state championships and at least two regional meets. “Athletes who skip state meets without prior approval will not be eligible for the main national competitions,” Sumariwalla said, underlining the federation’s emphasis on consistent domestic participation.