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AFI Sets 2026 Asian Games Qualification Standards, Aims to Boost India's Medal Haul

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced qualification standards for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, aiming to build on India's previous tally of 29 medals in athletics. AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla stated that the selection panel will choose at least two eligible athletes per event, with the 2022 sixth-place finish serving as a benchmark. Key domestic events, including the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in May and the Inter-State Championships in July, will provide qualification opportunities. Athletes must also compete in state and regional meets to be eligible for main track and field competitions.

Key Points: AFI Announces Asian Games 2026 Qualification Standards

  • Qualification standards announced for 2026 Asian Games
  • AFI to select at least two athletes per event
  • Domestic competitions key for qualification
  • Strict eligibility rules for state and regional meets
2 min read

Asian Games 2026: AFI announce qualification standards in January

AFI reveals qualification marks for Asian Games 2026, aiming to improve India's athletics medal tally with strict selection criteria and key domestic events.

"I'm confident that the overall medal tally in athletics will be better at the Asian Games in Japan. – Adille Sumariwalla, AFI Spokesperson"

New Delhi, January 3

Intending to improve the overall medal tally in track and field at the Asian Games in Japan, the AFI announced the qualification mark on Saturday.

While announcing the Asian Games qualification standards, Adille Sumariwalla, former AFI president and spokesperson, said athletes have ample time to peak at the right time and book tickets for the major international multi-discipline competition of the 2026 season, according to an AFI release.

"The AFI will select at least two eligible athletes in each of the events," Sumariwalla added. "The AFI selection panel will take a final call on the strength of the Indian athletics contingent for the Asian Games."

Sumariwalla, who is also one of the vice presidents of World Athletics, said the core group of athletes performed well in 2025, which bodes well for the 2026 season.

"Indian athletics contingent won 29 medals, six of them gold at the previous edition of the 2022 Asian Games held in China," Sumariwalla added. "I'm confident that the overall medal tally in athletics will be better at the Asian Games in Japan."

Sumariwalla said the sixth-place finish in track and field events at the previous Asian Games held in China was the benchmark for the 2026 Asian Games.

However, in several events, including 200m, 400m, 800m and high hurdles, the qualification mark has been a fifth-place finish. "The government (Sports Ministry) has been apprised of the AFI qualification mark," the AFI spokesperson said.

The qualification mark for events like race walk and marathon will be decided shortly by the AFI, Sumariwalla added.

The domestic calendar will start with the National cross-country championships on January 24, but the first major track-and-field event--the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition -- will be held from May 22 to 25 in Bhubaneswar.

The National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships are scheduled to be held from July 8 to 12 in Bhubaneswar. Both the above track-and-field competitions will provide a good platform to earn qualification marks for the Asian Games.

"It is also mandatory for all to compete in state meets and two regional competitions to be eligible for the main track and field competitions," Sumariwalla added. "Athletes who skip state meets without prior permission will not be eligible for main track and field events."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The qualification mark being a 5th place finish in some events seems very tough, no? Like 200m and 400m are highly competitive at Asian level. Hope it pushes our athletes and doesn't demotivate them.
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Rohit P
Bhubaneswar hosting the key nationals is great! Odisha has become a real sports hub. The domestic calendar looks packed, which is exactly what we need. Let's go, team! 🏃‍♂️💨
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Sarah B
Interesting read. The rule about competing in state meets is crucial for depth. Often only the top stars get attention, but building a strong base through regional competitions is smart long-term planning.
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Vikram M
29 medals in athletics last time was a proud moment. But Sumariwalla sir is right, we can do better. Need to focus on converting silvers and bronzes into gold. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
With all respect to the AFI, I hope the "final call" by the selection panel is transparent. There have been controversies in the past. The standards should be the primary criteria, not politics.
A
Ananya R
Exciting! The core group did well in 2025, so momentum is there. Just hope the athletes

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