Athletics Federation of India (AFI) | 18 Apr 2024

Why in News?

The Athletics Federation of India has disaffiliated 16 district associations across the country for failing to send teams for the National inter-district junior athletics meet held in Ahmedabad.

Key Points

  • The disaffiliated districts (with name of State/UT association) are Panchkula (Haryana), Budgam, Ramban & Shopian (all J&K), Lohardaga (Jhkd), Kalpeni (Lakshadweep), East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills & Ri-Bhoi (all Meghalaya), Harda & Neemuch (both MP), Firozpur & Fazilka (both Punjab), Jhalawar (Raj), Krishnagiri (TN), Purba Medinipur (WB).
  • As per the AFI constitution, the suspended districts will be removed and fresh associations will be formed.
    • The State associations have been asked to take appropriate action, in consultation with the AFI, and form the new district units.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI)

  • It is the apex body for running and managing athletics in India.
  • It is a non-governmental and non-profitable autonomous body.
  • It is affiliated to the World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the Indian Olympic Association.
  • It was formerly called the Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI).
  • The AFI has as many as 32 affiliated state units and institutional units.
  • It came into existence in 1946, and the federation organises the National Championships, trains the Indian Athletics National Campers, selects the Indian Athletics Teams for various international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, CWG, World Championships, Asian Championships, and other international meets, conducts the National Championships for various age categories.
    • The AFI conducts international and national championships and various meets to promote the sport, popularise it amongst the masses, and make athletics commercially attractive for the further growth of the athlete and the sport.
    • The federation also supervises and assists its state units in their activities, plans and sets up special coaching camps, coaches training, and takes initiatives for development programmes and grass root promotion of athletics in India.