While unveiling the criteria, former president and current AFI spokesperson, Adille Sumariwalla, said athletes have sufficient time to peak at the right moment and secure qualification for the major international competition of the 2026 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe athletes have ample time at hand to peak at the right time and book tickets for the Asian Games. The AFI will select at least two eligible athletes in each event,\u201d Sumariwalla said. He added that the final strength of the Indian athletics contingent would be decided by the AFI selection panel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sumariwalla, who is also one of the vice-presidents of World Athletics, said the core group of Indian athletes performed well in 2025, which provides positive signals for the upcoming season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIndian athletics won 29 medals, including six gold, at the previous edition of the Asian Games held in China in 2022. I am confident that the overall medal tally in athletics will be better at the Asian Games in Japan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The AFI spokesperson noted that India\u2019s sixth-place finish in track and field events at the previous Asian Games has been set as the benchmark for the 2026 edition. However, in several events, including the 200m, 400m, 800m, and high hurdles, the qualification standard has been fixed at a fifth-place finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe government, including the Sports Ministry, has been apprised of the AFI qualification marks,\u201d Sumariwalla said. He added that the qualification criteria for events such as the race walk and the marathon will be decided shortly by the federation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The domestic athletics calendar will begin with the National Cross Country Championships on January 24. The first major track and field meet of the season, the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition, will be held from May 22 to 25 in Bhubaneswar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe government, including the Sports Ministry, has been apprised of the AFI qualification marks,\u201d Sumariwalla said. He added that the qualification criteria for events such as the race walk and the marathon will be decided shortly by the federation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is mandatory for all athletes to compete in state meets and at least two regional competitions to be eligible for the main track and field events. Athletes who skip state meets without prior permission will not be eligible for the main competitions.\u201d Sumariwalla said<\/p>\r\n\r\n