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90% of India's Athletic Tracks Are Substandard, Says AFI Spokesperson

Athletics Federation of India spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla has declared that over 90% of synthetic athletic tracks in India are substandard in material, construction, and measurements. He cited the use of improper materials like tyre rubber instead of polyurethane as a key issue. The AFI had historically avoided involvement in track certification due to concerns over awarding irregularities. Following a directive from World Athletics, which presented shocking data, the federation is now compelled to take an active role in vetting vendors and intensifying track testing.

Key Points: AFI: Over 90% of India's Synthetic Athletic Tracks Substandard

  • 90%+ tracks substandard
  • Wrong materials like tyre rubber used
  • AFI avoided certification due to irregularities
  • Now compelled to act by World Athletics
  • Plans global vendor vetting and testing
2 min read

90% plus tracks in India are substandard: AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla

AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla exposes poor quality of India's athletic tracks, citing substandard materials and construction. AFI now forced to intervene.

"I can tell you 90% plus tracks in India are substandard. - Adille Sumariwalla"

New Delhi, April 18

Athletics Federation of India spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla has raised serious concerns over the quality of synthetic athletic tracks in the country, stating that a vast majority of them are substandard in terms of material, construction, and measurements.

Addressing an AFI press conference on Saturday, Sumariwalla alleged widespread irregularities in the construction and maintenance of tracks across India.

"I can tell you 90% plus tracks in India are substandard. The material used is substandard, the process is substandard, and the granules used are substandard. The laying methodology is substandard, so the thickness is substandard," he said.

He further pointed out that in several cases, proper materials like polyurethane are not being used, with alternatives such as tyre rubber being used instead.

"Instead of polyurethane, in places, only tyre rubber is being used instead of polyurethane. Various things are issues with 90-plus per cent of the tracks, including the measurements," he added.

Sumariwalla also clarified that the AFI had stayed away from track certification and related processes in the past due to concerns over awarding irregularities.

"AFI was never involved. AFI had stayed away from this for a very long time. After all, we don't want to get involved, because a lot of these tracks have been awarded, which is not something that we want to get into, and that is why we stayed very far," he said.

However, he added that the federation will now be compelled to participate in the process following directives from World Athletics. He further noted that based on global discussions, AFI will now have to take a more active role in ensuring track quality standards going forward.

"We've never certified any track. However, from now on, we'll have to get involved because World Athletics has called us and said we need to get involved. We had a meeting in Tokyo on this, and they showed us some data, which was quite shocking," Sumariwalla said.

The AFI now plans to vet a list of vendors from across the globe and also intends to intensify testing of the tracks. This development comes after the federation conducted a course with experts on how a track is to be laid, tested, and measured.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows athletics, this explains a lot. Indian athletes often perform better in international competitions than at home. If the basic infrastructure is faulty, how can we expect world-class performances? The AFI stepping in is a good first step.
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Rohit P
Tyre rubber instead of polyurethane? Seriously? This is a classic case of "chalta hai" attitude. We build stadiums for show, but the actual playing surface is compromised. No wonder we struggle to produce consistent champions. Hope the new vendor vetting process is transparent.
A
Ananya R
While I agree the issue needs fixing, let's also acknowledge the AFI's past inaction. Staying away because you don't want to get involved in award irregularities is not an excuse. As the governing body, it's their duty to ensure standards, not look the other way.
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Karthik V
This is the root cause of many sports injuries. Young talent gets discouraged when they can't train properly. We need a complete overhaul, not just in athletics but in all sports infrastructure. The focus should be on the athlete, not on the contractor's profit.
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Priya S
Shocking data from World Athletics must have been a wake-up call. Better late than never. Hope this leads to real change. Our athletes deserve tracks that match their dedication and hard work. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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