AFI tightens norms, announces qualifying standards for Asian Games 2026

The Athletics Federation of India on Saturday announced the qualifying standards for the 2026 Asian Games, going beyond the sports ministry’s selection criteria and making it tougher for athletes to book a spot at the event.

AFI spokesman and former president Adille Sumariwalla said the athletes have ample opportunities to peak at the right time and book tickets for the quadrennial event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. “The AFI will select at least two eligible athletes in each of the events but the selection committee will take a final call on the total strength of the contingent for the Asian Games.”

While the ministry guidelines allow for athletes matching the 6th place finish in their event at the previous edition of the games to qualify, the AFI has made stricter norms in certain events including the 200m, 400m, 800m and hurdles. Selection in certain events including 21km race walk and 4×100 mixed relay will be under the purview of the selection committee at a later date.

“We have gone to make things slightly more competitive in certain events. There have been over three months of discussions with coaches both foreign and Indian, athletes and our research team, keeping two things in mind. One, We should not miss a medal and two, we don’t want to take any passengers. People might qualify with a mark matching the 6th place finish but if they will have no chance of a medal, they won’t be taken. These people often become a liability to the rest of the prospects, not serious about their own performance and disturbing others,” Sumariwalla was categorical.

Interestingly, barring the men’s 100m, most other marks have been achieved by Indians, although it will now be a matter of doing so in the qualifying period. He added that the qualifying marks had been shared with the ministry with detailed reasoning and explanation. He also revealed that a team from World Athletics would be visiting later this month to evaluate the facilities and possibilities of India hosting the 2028 World U20 Championships and the more ambitious World Championships in 2031.