© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Journalism of Courage
Premium
Athletics: AFI makes it mandatory for Indian athletes to obtain prior clearance before competing in international events
"One of the reasons we reached this decision is that we want to keep track of our athletes. We should know who is participating in which competition and what the level of the competition," AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo told The Indian Express.
"Disciplinary action will be taken against individual athletes who don't take prior permission to compete and train on foreign soil from the national governing body of track and field in the country," Sagoo said. (File)
The Athletics Federation of India has made it mandatory for athletes to obtain clearance to participate in international events, including invitational competitions, on Saturday. “This policy has been adopted to ensure proper regulation, safeguard
athlete interests, and uphold the integrity of Indian athletics. This policy will be implemented immediately,” the policy document in possession of the Indian Express read. It further stated that this decision has been made to meet the critical requirement for all Indian Athletes to obtain prior written permission from AFI before sending entries in any international competitions.
“One of the reasons we reached this decision is that we want to keep track of our athletes. We should know who is participating in which competition and what the level of the competition,” AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo told The Indian Express.
The idea to is to constantly observe the athletes and keep consistent performance benchmarks. “A lot of times, athletes come and say that we have performed outside of the country and achieved a certain mark while we are clueless. Sometimes the competition of the tournament is not up to the mark. This policy will help us keep the data with the federation which can be accessed later for rankings and selections,” Sagoo added.
Another reason to have the policy is to avoid clashes with national camps, national competitions, selection trials or preparatory camps. “The policy is pro-athletes as it will safeguard their interest,” Sagoo said.
A meeting of the Core Committee of AFI was held on 18th March virtually to address and decide to frame the policy on Indian Athletes.
Safety concerns and Doping
One of the concerns raised by AFI is around participation in unsanctioned events. “Some international competitions may not be officially sanctioned, or may lack basic infrastructure or medical safeguards. Hence, this policy will ensure participation is limited to credible, recognized events,” the document mentioned.
Another concern is athletes getting caught in the doping net. “We also want to know where our athletes are and where are they training in case World Anti-Doping Agency asks us as the federation. If they are performing under the country’s name and AFI’s affiliation, there shouldn’t be any unnecessary controversy,” said Sagoo.
Story continues below this ad
As the policy document mentions, athletes are supposed to apply at least 30 days before the competition date to get the clearance. AFI will take one week to announce approval or rejection after reviewing the details of the event, proof of invitation and recommendation letter from their respective institution or academy.
Junior Fed Cup postponed
Meanwhile, the National Junior Federation Athletics Championships was postponed as Madhya Pradesh Athletics failed to conduct the meet. “This is to inform you that the 23rd National Junior Federation Athletics Championships, which was scheduled to be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from 27th to 29th May 2025 has been postponed since they have shown their inability to conduct the meet,” a circular signed by AFI secretary Sandeep Mehta read. AFI said that the new dates and venues will be communicated once finalized.
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
Live Blog