Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh expected in national athletics; participation mandatory

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Athletics Federation of India is all set to host the last two competitions before the Olympic qualification cycle ends on June 29. Though 12 athletes have already qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, some like Tajinder Pal Singh Toor, the 4x400m relay teams (men & women) are on verge of qualification but need to consolidate their position on the Road to Tokyo. Focus will also be on discus thrower Seema Antil and javelin thrower Anu Rani, even though she is ranked No 19 where top 32 qualify.

The Indian Grand Prix 4 on June 21 and the inter-state athletics nationals to be held in Patiala from June 25 to 29 are expected to have visitors from three neighbouring countries. According to AFI president Adille Sumariwalla, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives have accepted their invitation and with the help of Ministry of External Affairs and the Sports Ministry, the teams should participate in the nationals. If logistics permit, the teams might even make it to IGP 4 on June 21. However, because time is short, it might be difficult. For relay teams, international teams are necessary to qualify.

“Three teams have accepted invitation and would be participating during the national championships,” said the AFI chief. He also said that the athletes would be in a bubble from the time they land in the airport and until they participate. The federation is looking into the logistics now. The athletes from the three nations are expected to participate in 4x100m (women), 4x400m (men and women) relays but they can enter their names in other competitions as well. The AFI is confident the 4x100m women’s team would qualify. Nigeria is 16th on Road to Tokyo with 43.05s timing and India are 22nd with 43.81s.

Sri Lanka is a country with as good or better record as India in 100m and in 400m as well. Maldives too have a few good sprinters.

The AFI president has also sounded a warning to those athletes, who have qualified for the Olympics or on verge of qualification, to not miss the national competitions without solid reasons. He said that if someone drops out without taking prior permission of the chief national coach, strict action would be taken. Should an athlete chose to skip the event as part of the strategy drawn up by the coaches, the AFI won’t stand their way. But AFI and the coaches must be convinced with the reasons furnished by the athlete. “Or else we might even not take them to the Olympics. The events will be conducted in a safe environment and everyone must compete,” he said.

The federation has assured that the safety of the athletes will not be compromised, especially of those who have already qualified or likely to qualify and are training in a secured environment in the National Centre of Excellence, Patiala. It is likely that the relays and the 100m, 400m, shot put and as few other events might take place in NCOE. “That’s why we have two venues in Patiala,” said Sumariwalla. “We will conduct the events of our athletes who have already qualified at the Patiala NCOE. However, we will take care of all the athletes who come for participation. Everyone’s wellbeing is of utmost importance to us.” A negative RTPCR test is a must for all athletes