BENGALURU: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Wednesday made it mandatory for athletes to compete in at least three competitions to be able to compete at the InterState meet which will serve as the final selection trials for the Asian Games. “To take part in the National Inter-State Championships, it is mandatory to take part in at least three competitions during the year 2026, organised by the AFI and a state meet if organised by the state association during the period,” the AFI said on X.It also recalled the earlier directive making it mandatory to compete in at least two AFI events to take part in the Federation meet. The post also added that for the Open Nationals, an athlete has to take part in at least four meets of AFI where the fourth should be either the Federation meet, Inter-State or any meet after the Inter-State meet.Sources said the new directives are aimed at athletes suspected of doping from competing in only the selection trials and making the Indian team for big meets.
“One top athlete did the same last time and is nowhere to be seen now,” they said.High entry feeMeanwhile, athletes and coaches said the new directive will adversely affect the young and upcoming athletes who struggle to find financial support.“The AFI has fixed Rs 1,200 per event as entry fee. For most athletes travelling to a neighbouring state, it works out to about Rs 10,000 per meet, including boarding and lodging. And if they have to do it twice or thrice to compete in the Fed Cup or Inter-State that will be a big burden,” a coach said.Coaches also said that looking at the performance of only the last season is unfair.
