Archive · 3 Jan 2026
AFI Sets Asian Games 2026 Qualifiers
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set rules for athletes to qualify for the Asian Games in 2026.
Most of the rules are ready, but for a few new events like the 4x100m mixed relay and marathon walk, they need more time.
This is because these events are new, and they don't have enough information yet.
They plan to look at results from upcoming races to decide the rules for these events later this year.
The AFI wants to help athletes plan their season to qualify and win medals.
They are confident that India will do better than the last Asian Games, where they won 29 medals.
The domestic athletics calendar will start with the National Cross Country Championships on January 24.
AFI has set qualification standards for most events for the Asian Games 2026.
Standards for the 4x100m mixed relay and marathon walk will be finalized later due to a lack of research data.
AFI will use results from Asian Relays and World Relays to set standards for the delayed events.
Adille Sumariwalla, AFI spokesperson, expressed confidence in improving India's medal tally from the 2022 Asian Games.
The domestic athletics calendar includes key events like the National Cross Country Championships and National Senior Athletics Federation Competition.
- Who
- Athletics Federation of India (AFI)
- What
- Set qualification standards for Asian Games 2026
- When
- Standards for some events to be finalized later in the year
- Where
- India (AFI is the governing body)
- Why
- To ensure fair and competitive selection for the Asian Games 2026
Optimistic View
Cautious View
Medal Tally Expectations
Optimistic View
Adille Sumariwalla is confident that India will improve its medal tally in athletics at the 2026 Asian Games, building on the 29 medals won in 2022.
Cautious View
The qualification standards for some events are set at a fifth-place finish, indicating a cautious approach to ensure competitive selection.
- Organization
- AFI (Athletics Federation of India)
- Event
- Asian Games 2026
- Spokesperson
- Adille Sumariwalla
- Events with Delayed Standards
- 4x100m mixed relay, marathon walk
- Reason for Delay
- Lack of research data for new events
- Previous Medal Tally
- 29 medals (6 gold) in 2022 Asian Games
- Benchmark Position
- Sixth place in track and field events
- Upcoming Domestic Events
- National Cross Country Championships (Jan 24), National Senior Athletics Federation Competition (May 22-25), National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships (July 8-12)
