The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has stood by its qualification standards for the Commonwealth Games 2026 after filling the country’s quota of 32 athletes for Glasgow. Despite initial criticism over the high benchmarks compared to national standards, AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla defended the approach. Sumariwalla emphasized that the qualifying standards were set appropriately to ensure deserving athletes made the cut.
Sumariwalla highlighted the successful outcomes, pointing out that many athletes met or nearly met the criteria, validating the federation’s decisions. He noted the scientific basis behind the standards and the positive impact of development programs in enhancing athletes’ performances. The AFI official credited grassroots initiatives, talent identification schemes, and enhanced domestic competitions for nurturing talent and raising the overall standards of Indian athletics.
The federation’s efforts to provide regular competition opportunities across regions have significantly benefited athletes by reducing the need for extensive travel. Sumariwalla emphasized the importance of frequent competitions in improving performances and addressing historical challenges faced by Indian athletes. With events happening regularly across the country, athletes now have more chances to compete and enhance their skills, leading to improved standards in Indian athletics.
