Stricter selection rules for Asian meet: AFI

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will have a stricter procedure to select the athletes for the Asian Athletics Championships to be held at Bhubaneswar from July 6-9.

The AFI, according to president Adille Sumariwalla, has made it mandatory for athletes to prove their fitness ahead of major competitions.

“Those athletes who have missed the domestic circuit will have to attend the compulsory trials otherwise they will not be considered for the Asian meet,” he said at the sidelines of a promotional event for the championships on Wednesday.

The AFI sent a huge contingent of 30 athletes to Rio for the Olympics. Barring three or four, the entire contingent failed to make a mark. Perhaps this is the reason why the selection panel has made stringent rules now. The AFI president added:“During the trials the athletes doesn’t have to record personal bests, but they should put up a decent performance so that we understand their fitness levels.”

The new rule would mean US-based thrower Vikas Gowda, who has not attended any domestic meets, will have to participate in the final selection trials on June 25 and 26 at Patiala .

Since the Asian meet is held on home soil, the AFI plans to field three athletes in each of the individual events, besides the men and women relay teams. Gold medallist at the Asian meet will get direct entry to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Athletics Championships to be held from August 4-13 in London.