Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (NationPress) The chairman of the national selection committee of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Adille Sumariwalla, has asserted that the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships, taking place from October 10 to 14 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, is poised to be one of the finest national events organized in recent years, showcasing world-class facilities and systems.

“The Odisha Athletics Association has excelled in its preparations for the championships. Every aspect — from technical arrangements to accommodations — has been meticulously handled. This will stand out as one of the best championships ever organized,” Sumariwalla, a former president of the AFI and currently serving as a vice-president of World Athletics, remarked.

He emphasized that the AFI will conduct talent identification during the event to discover promising young athletes, who will be guided to centers of excellence for enhanced training and development.

“We have implemented a system for biometric verification and medical checks to avoid impersonation and ensure fair participation. Strict doping control measures are also in place, with NADA overseeing the entire event,” he stated.

Sumariwalla pointed out that the AFI is adopting best practices such as electronic timing and measurement systems, hydration and nutrition support, and holding coaches and state associations accountable to foster transparency and discipline in athletics development.

“We are not merely hosting a championship — we are establishing benchmarks for fair play, athlete welfare, and technical excellence,” he added.

Earlier this year, the 2002 Asian Games men's shot put champion, Bahadur Singh Sagoo, was elected unopposed as the new president of the federation during their Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Recently, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, endorsed the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, an initiative aimed at transforming India's sporting environment and empowering citizens through sports.

This new policy replaces the National Sports Policy 2001 and presents a strategic vision to position India as a global sports leader and a serious contender in international competitions, including the 2036 Olympic Games.

In a discussion with IANS, Sumariwalla elaborated on the policy.

“The new policy is commendable. The five pillars they have established for excellence, sports science, infrastructure, social upliftment, and the sports industry are impressive. A lot has evolved since the initial sports policy was drafted in 1985 and subsequently revised in 2021,” he noted.

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