Indian Athletics Federation

19.04.2024

Indian Athletics Federation

Why in the  news?                                                                                         

            Recently, the Athletics Federation of India has de-recognized 16 district associations across the country for failing to send teams for the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet held in Ahmedabad in February.

Important points:

• The list includes Panchkula, which will host the inter-state nationals in June, Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri and three districts each from Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir.
• 16 districts (with state/UT names): Panchkula (Haryana), Budgam, Ramban and Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir), Lohardaga (Jhakri), Kalpeni (Lakshadweep), East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills and Ri -Bhoi (Meghalaya), Harda and Neemuch (MP), Firozpur and Fazilka (Punjab), Jhalawar (Rajasthan), Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu), Purba Medinipur (West Bengal).

About Athletics Federation of India (AFI):

• It was formed in 1946 and since then it has played an important role in the promotion and management of athletics across the country.
• It was formed in 1946 on the initiative of Professor GD Sondhi and Maharaja Yadvinder Singh.
• GD Sondhi was its first president for some time, he resigned on 13 April 1950.
• The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the apex body responsible for overseeing athletics in India.
• It was earlier called Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI).
• AFI is affiliated with World Athletics, Asian Athletics Association (AAA) and Indian Olympic Association.
• AFI has 32 affiliated state units and institutional units.
• AFI's efforts contribute significantly to the development and success of Indian athletes at both the national and international levels.

Major functions of AFI:

• AFI organizes national championships.
• It trains the Indian Athletics National Campers and selects Indian athletics teams for various international competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and other international competitions.
• It also organizes international and national championships as well as various meets to promote the sport and make athletics commercially attractive for further development.
• It oversees and assists state units, and plans coaching camps.
• Launches development programs for grassroots promotion of athletics in India.

                                Source: The Hindu