With a focus on enhancing India’s medal count in track and field at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has revealed the qualification criteria for the upcoming multi-sport event. This early announcement aims to assist athletes in planning their season effectively to secure qualification and vie for medals in Aichi–Nagoya 2026. Former AFI president and current spokesperson, Adille Sumariwalla, mentioned that athletes now have ample time to peak at the right moment and secure their spots for the major international competition in 2026.
Sumariwalla stated that the AFI plans to choose a minimum of two eligible athletes in each event, with the final composition of the Indian athletics team to be determined by the AFI selection panel. He also highlighted the strong performance of the core group of Indian athletes in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for the upcoming season. The previous Asian Games in China in 2022 saw Indian athletes clinch 29 medals, including six golds, leading Sumariwalla to express confidence in an improved medal tally at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Setting the sixth-place finish in track and field events at the previous Asian Games as a benchmark for the 2026 edition, Sumariwalla mentioned that in specific events like the 200m, 400m, 800m, and high hurdles, the qualification standard has been set at a fifth-place finish. He informed that the AFI has communicated the qualification marks to the government, including the Sports Ministry, and that criteria for events such as race walk and marathon will be finalized soon.
The domestic athletics calendar is set to kick off with the National Cross Country Championships on January 24, followed by the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition from May 22 to 25 in Bhubaneswar. Subsequently, the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships are scheduled from July 8 to 12, also in Bhubaneswar, providing crucial opportunities for athletes to meet the Asian Games qualification standards. Sumariwalla emphasized the mandatory participation of athletes in state meets and at least two regional competitions to qualify for major track and field events, warning that those skipping state meets without permission will be ineligible for main competitions.
