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AFI Panel to Certify Synthetic Tracks, Mandates SRY Gene Test for Athletes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will form a panel to certify and ensure the quality of all newly laid synthetic tracks across the country, addressing concerns over sub-standard materials. This decision was a key agenda item at the AFI's Annual General Meeting in Kohima. The meeting also mandated a one-time SRY gene test for athletes competing in the female category, with the AFI offering financial support for the expensive procedure. Additionally, the AGM discussed preparations for major upcoming games and athlete safeguarding measures.

Key Points: AFI to Certify Synthetic Tracks, Implements SRY Gene Testing

  • AFI panel to certify new synthetic tracks
  • Crackdown on sub-standard track materials
  • Mandatory SRY gene test for female athletes
  • AFI to fund expensive gene testing
  • Focus on athlete safeguarding and sponsorship
2 min read

AFI panel to ensure good quality synthetic tracks are laid in county

AFI forms panel to ensure quality synthetic athletic tracks in India and will oversee mandatory SRY gene testing for female category athletes.

"Certification of all newly laid synthetic tracks will be issued by the AFI in the future. - Adille Sumariwalla"

New Delhi, April 18

The AFI panel will closely monitor and ensure good quality synthetic tracks are laid in the country in the near future, says Adille Sumariwalla.

Sumariwalla, former president of AFI and vice president of World Athletics, says the AFI panel will certify newly laid tracks in the country in the future, according to a release.

"Certification of all newly laid synthetic tracks will be issued by the AFI in the future. This was one of the key agenda items discussed during the just-concluded AFI Annual General Meeting held in Kohima, Nagaland," Sumariwalla said during a virtual media interaction on Saturday.

World Athletics--the global governing body of track and field--says Sumariwalla had flagged the issue of not-so-good quality tracks being laid in India last year on the sidelines of the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships in Japan.

"This is the main reason AFI had to step in to ensure good quality material is used in the future. The work of laying new synthetic tracks should also be given to reputed vendors."

According to Sumariwalla, it has come to notice that several synthetic tracks across the country are not of good quality. "Since there is no proper monitoring, it is alleged that sub-standard material is being used, which is mainly responsible for a short lifespan of the track," Sumariwalla points out.

A one-time SRY gene test for athletes competing in the female category in all competitions sanctioned by World Athletics was also on the agenda during the AGM in Nagaland. The AFI, in coordination with World Athletics, is in the process of conducting a one-time SRY gene test for athletes competing in the female category.

"It's an expensive test (SRY Gene Test). Therefore, AFI will financially support the athletes," says Sumariwalla. "The AFI will also closely monitor the testing procedure (SRY gene test) to avoid impersonation."

The new World Athletics regulation (SRY gene test) came into force at the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships. "The procedure of the SRY gene test has started in India," says Sumariwalla.

Indian athletics contingent's preparation for the Glasgow Commonwealth and Japan's Asian Games was also discussed during the AGM in Kohima. "Safeguarding individual athletes and sponsors was also one of the key notes discussed during the AGM in Nagaland," says Sumariwalla.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move by AFI. But the real test will be implementation. Will they have the power to stop payments or blacklist vendors who use bad material? Otherwise, it's just more paperwork. Also, glad to see financial support for the SRY test for female athletes.
R
Rohit P
About time someone addressed the quality issue. You see these shiny new tracks in schools and colleges, and within a year they're cracking. Taxpayer money going down the drain. Hope this certification brings some accountability. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As a former college athlete, I can't stress how important a proper track is. It's not just about performance, it's about safety. A poorly laid surface increases impact on joints. This panel could be a game-changer for grassroots sports in India.
V
Vikram M
The focus on quality is good, but I'm more concerned about the SRY gene test discussion. While ensuring fair competition is important, the process must be handled with extreme sensitivity and privacy for the athletes involved. AFI must be transparent about the safeguards.
K
Kavya N
Positive step. But will this certification apply to tracks laid by municipal corporations and state sports departments, or only to AFI-sanctioned projects? The problem of poor quality is widespread at the local level. The panel's mandate needs to be broad.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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