PU ignores AAFI rules; allows barefoot running

CHANDIGARH, Sept 22: Most of the runners chose to run the Punjab University inter-college cross country races barefoot here today. It may be mentioned that the Amateur Athletic Federation of India has totally banned barefoot running. The AAFI had taken this step to prevent injury to the athletes and exposure. Violation of this rule will invite disqualification in the national meets.

However, Punjab University, which is one of the dominating force in the all India inter varisty competitions and had won the prestigious Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Trohpy for excellence in sports many a times, is still seems to be in infancy, sticking to old age rules.

The officials conducting the event, however, did not object and most of the runners were seen running barefoot on metalled road. While the runners felt they are comfortable without shoes but if its made compulsory they have no objection to wear a pair of shoes. “Since the officials don’t object, we run without shoes,” said a runner.