Context:
In a first, 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 recently.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Athletics Federation of India (AFI)
Overview
- AFI is the premier governing body responsible for managing athletics in India.
- It operates as an autonomous, non-governmental, and non-profit organization.
Affiliations
- AFI is a member of World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the Indian Olympic Association.
History and Structure
- Established in 1946, AFI was formerly known as the Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI).
- It encompasses 32 affiliated state and institutional units.
Key Responsibilities
- Organizes National Championships.
- Trains national athletics campers.
- Selects Indian athletics teams for international events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games (CWG), World Championships, Asian Championships, and other international competitions.
- Conducts National Championships across various age groups.
Promotion and Development Initiatives
- Hosts international and national championships and meets to boost the sport’s popularity, engage the public, and make athletics more commercially viable to foster the growth of athletes and the sport.
- Supervises and supports its state units in their operations.
- Plans and establishes special coaching camps and training for coaches.
- Initiates development programs and grassroots promotions to enhance athletics at the foundational level in India.
-Source: The Hindu
