Athletics Federation of India (AFI) | 22 Jan 2025

Source: TOI 

Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).  

• Bahadur Singh Sagoo is a one-time Asian medallist and two-time national champion, won a gold medal in the shot put at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. He also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. 

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) 

• About: AFI was established in 1946 as a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous apex body for athletics in India. 
  • It is affiliated with World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the Indian Olympic Association. 
• Objective: To popularize athletics, improve athlete performance, and make the sport commercially viable. 
• Structure: AFI consists of 32 affiliated state and institutional units. 
• Functions: It organizes National Championships, selects teams for international events, and promotes athletics through competitions. It also focuses on grassroots development, coaching programs, and special camps to nurture talent. 

World Athletics Day: 

• It is celebrated annually on 7^th May (first Day was celebrated on 15th May 1996). 
• It was established in 1996 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics, to promote youth participation in athletics. 

Read More: Athletics Federation of India (AFI).