AFI Sets Tougher Qualification Standards To Boost Medal Prospects At 2026 Asian Games

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced revised qualification marks for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The move is aimed at strengthening India’s medal tally in athletics, following the country’s strong performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.

Key Highlights

• AFI unveiled stricter qualification standards that go beyond the sports ministry’s traditional criteria, ensuring only the most competitive athletes make the cut.
• The federation confirmed that at least two eligible athletes will be selected in each event, with the final contingent decided by the AFI selection panel.
• Adille Sumariwalla, AFI spokesperson and vice president of World Athletics, emphasized that the tougher benchmarks are designed to push athletes to peak performance levels.
• India’s athletics contingent won 29 medals at the 2023 Asian Games, including six golds, making athletics the highest contributing discipline to the overall tally of 107 medals.
• The new standards are expected to raise the competitive bar, minimize doping concerns, and ensure India fields a strong and credible team.
• Athletes now have ample time to prepare and align their training schedules to meet the revised qualification marks before the Games begin on September 19, 2026.

Context And Implications
The AFI’s decision reflects a strategic approach to maximize India’s medal potential in athletics. By setting higher qualification marks, the federation aims to ensure that only athletes capable of competing at the continental level represent the country. This move also signals India’s ambition to consolidate its position as a leading athletics nation in Asia.

The announcement provides clarity for athletes and coaches, allowing them to plan training cycles with the new benchmarks in mind. It also underscores the importance of discipline, consistency, and performance monitoring in the run-up to the Games. With athletics contributing significantly to India’s medal tally in recent editions, the revised standards could play a decisive role in shaping the country’s overall success in Japan.

Conclusion
The Athletics Federation of India’s tougher qualification marks for the 2026 Asian Games highlight its determination to enhance India’s medal prospects. With a strong focus on performance, credibility, and preparation, the move sets the stage for a competitive athletics contingent ready to deliver results at the continental event.

Sources: Republic World, Devdiscourse, Times Now, The Hindu, Lokmat Times