Particle.news
Download on the App Store

AFI Unveils Stricter Qualification Marks for 2026 Asian Games Athletics

The federation says higher thresholds will improve medal prospects by exceeding government criteria in most events.

Overview

  • The Athletics Federation of India released event-by-event standards that surpass the Sports Ministry’s sixth-place benchmark in many disciplines, with some set to fifth or even fourth place.
  • Notable thresholds include men’s 100m at 10.16 seconds versus the 10.18 national record, men’s pole vault at 5.45m, men’s javelin at 77.87m, and women’s javelin at 57.62m.
  • Eligibility now requires participation in three domestic competitions, including mandatory state championships, with key qualifying meets on May 22–25 and July 8–12 in Bhubaneswar following the January 24 cross-country.
  • Qualifying standards for mixed relays and race-walk events will be set later after additional data and upcoming relay competitions.
  • AFI intends to enter at least two eligible athletes per event with final decisions by a conflict-free selection panel, while advocating stronger anti-doping steps such as expanded state-level testing and penalties targeting suppliers.