Performances Without AFI Approval to Be Invalid, Federation Tightens International Exposure Rules
New Delhi, May 10 – The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Saturday issued a stern warning to athletes training or competing abroad without its prior written approval, announcing that disciplinary action will be taken starting this month.AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo said that the performances of such athletes will not be considered valid for national record books if they fail to secure the mandatory clearance from the federation.
New Policy to Safeguard Team Strategy and Integrity
The AFI expressed concern that unauthorized international participation disrupts its broader strategy for preparing national contingents for events like the Olympics and Asian Games.The move follows dissatisfaction within the AFI over athletes who, in the run-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, have been participating in international events without informing the governing body.
Core Committee Approves Framework After March Meeting
The decision comes in the wake of a virtual Core Committee meeting held in March, where the AFI began drafting a formal policy on international training and competition.According to Sagoo, guidelines will soon be issued to ensure transparency and accountability in granting permissions.
The AFI has committed to processing such applications within one week of receipt and may contact applicants for further clarification if necessary.
Crackdown on Doping Evasion
The AFI is also formulating measures to prevent athletes from evading anti-doping protocols while training abroad. Sagoo emphasized that these policy changes are meant to protect the integrity of Indian athletics and ensure that no athlete bypasses necessary testing procedures.This directive marks a significant tightening of rules ahead of major international events, signaling the federation's intent to centralize oversight and enforce compliance rigorously.
