New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Aiming to elevate India's medal count in track and field at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) revealed the qualification criteria for this continental multi-sport event on Saturday. This early announcement of qualifying standards is expected to assist athletes in strategizing their seasons to qualify and secure medals in Aichi–Nagoya 2026 later this year.

During the announcement, Adille Sumariwalla, former president and current spokesperson for AFI, emphasized that athletes now have ample time to reach their peak performance and secure their spots for this significant international competition in 2026.

“Athletes possess sufficient time to peak at the right moment and ensure their qualification for the Asian Games. The AFI will select a minimum of two eligible athletes for each event,” stated Sumariwalla. He further mentioned that the final composition of the Indian athletics team will be determined by the AFI selection committee.

Sumariwalla, who also serves as one of the vice-presidents of World Athletics, highlighted the positive performance of Indian athletes in 2025, indicating promising prospects for the upcoming season.

“Indian athletics secured 29 medals, including six golds, in the last edition of the Asian Games held in China in 2022. I am optimistic that our overall medal tally in athletics will improve at the Asian Games in Japan,” he expressed.

The AFI spokesperson noted that India's sixth-place ranking in track and field events during the previous Asian Games sets the benchmark for 2026. However, for several events, including the 200m, 400m, 800m, and high hurdles, the qualification standard has been set to a fifth-place finish.

“The government, including the Sports Ministry, has been informed of the AFI qualification marks,” Sumariwalla stated. He added that the qualification criteria for events such as the race walk and marathon will be established soon by the federation.

The domestic athletics season will kick off with the National Cross Country Championships on January 24. The first major track and field competition of the season, the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition, will take place from May 22 to 25 in Bhubaneswar.

The National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships are set for July 8 to 12, also in Bhubaneswar. Both events will be crucial for athletes aiming to meet the Asian Games qualification marks.

“It is essential for all athletes to participate in state meets and at least two regional competitions to qualify for the primary track and field events. Athletes who miss state meets without prior consent will not be eligible for the main competitions,” Sumariwalla remarked.