The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has unveiled a set of rigorous qualification standards for track and field athletes aiming to represent the nation at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The federation's clear objective is to ensure that Indian athletes peak at the right time for the prestigious continental event scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Stringent Marks Aim for Podium Finishes
Adille Sumariwalla, chairman of the AFI selection committee, outlined the federation's strategy. The priority is squarely on athletes delivering their best performances during the Asian Games window. In a significant move, the qualifying standards for events like the men's 100m and pole vault have been set higher than the existing national records.
For instance, the current men's 100m national record stands at 10.18 seconds, set by Animesh Kujur in 2025. However, to qualify for the 2026 Asiad, sprinters will need to clock 10.16 seconds or faster. Similarly, in the pole vault, where Dev Meena holds the national record of 5.40m (2025), the AFI's qualifying bar is set at a challenging 5.45 metres.
Selection Based on Asian Standing
Sumariwalla explained that the general benchmark for selection will be a sixth-place finish at the previous Asian Games. For several demanding events, including the 200m, 400m, 800m, and high hurdles, the bar is raised even higher to a fifth-place finish. The AFI plans to select at least two eligible athletes per event, with the final decision resting with the selection panel.
This strategic tightening of standards reflects the AFI's ambition to move beyond mere participation and contend for medals consistently at the Asian level.
Balancing Commonwealth Games and Asian Games
The year 2026 also features the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, scheduled for July 23 to August 2. With barely over a month separating the two major multi-sport events, the AFI is considering a pragmatic approach. The federation is leaning towards sending a younger squad to the Commonwealth Games. This would allow the nation's top-tier athletes, who are genuine medal prospects, to focus their training and peak specifically for the Asian Games in Japan.
Neeraj Chopra's Road to Recovery
In other news, Sumariwalla provided an update on India's Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra. He confirmed that Chopra is currently focusing on rehabilitation from a back injury. The injury was sustained just before the World Championships in September of the previous year. His recovery and return to full fitness will be closely watched as a key component of India's athletics prospects for the upcoming cycle.
The AFI's announcement signals a clear shift towards a more competitive and performance-oriented culture in Indian athletics. By setting high benchmarks and strategically planning the competition calendar, the federation aims to build a squad capable of achieving historic success at the 2026 Asian Games.
