Athletics Federation of India

Source– This post  is based on the article “AFI disaffiliates 16 districts for skipping inter-district Nationals” published in “The Hindu” on 16th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, 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.

About Athletics Federation of India

1. It is the apex body for running and managing athletics in India.

2. It came into existence in 1946 and was formerly known as the Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI).

3. It is a non-governmental and non-profitable autonomous body.

4. It is affiliated with the World Athletics, AAA and Indian Olympic Association. 

5. The AFI has as many as 32 affiliated state units and institutional units.

6. Functions:

a) The federation organises the National Championships, and trains the Indian Athletics National Campers.

b) It also 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.

c) The AFI also conducts international and national championships and various meets to promote the sport and popularise it amongst the masses and make athletics commercially attractive for the further growth of the athlete and the sport.

d) The federation supervises and assists its state units in their activities, plans and sets up special coaching camps, coaches training and takes initiatives for development programme and grass root promotion of athletics in India.

UPSC Syllabus: Miscellaneous (Sports)