New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) The Athletics Federation of India(AFI) today suspended Pondicherry, Manipur and Nagaland stateathletics bodies for being non-active while Punjab AthleticsAssociation (PAA) was also handed a three-month suspension forskipping the two-day Annual General Meeting of AFI.
The AFI general body also unanimously passed aresolution, directing Maharashtra Athletics Association (MAA)to hold fresh elections within a month for remaining absentfrom the AGM, which was held yesterday here, and poorfunctioning of the federation affecting development ofathletics in the state.
"There are no athletics activity in Pondicherry, Manipurand Nagaland and despite telling these state affiliates manytimes to start development and promotion of athletics, nothinghas been done by them. Punjab is also suspended for remainingabsent from the AGM and there were lot of complaints fromathletes and coaches the way North Zone meet was conducted inTarantaran by the PAA on 14-15 October 2017," the AFIpresident Adille Sumariwalla said in a statement.
"However, young athletes from districts will be allowedto participate in the National Inter-District Junior AthleticsMeet, our flagship developmental program, to be held in Vizagfrom November 24-26. We do not want kids to suffer due toinefficiency of the state unit. The general body felt strictaction needs to be taken against such state units.
"Similarly, Maharashtra state body is also notfunctioning in a transparent manner according to the generalhouse and members of the house called for fresh elections," headded.
The model constitution focused on encouraging moretransparency and efficiency in the functioning of stateaffiliates of AFI was also approved at the AGM.
It was also proposed and approved at the AGM thatathletes skipping the national camps will not be allowed toparticipate in the AFI selection trials for internationalcompetitions.
Among other major decisions taken by the general house atthe AGM are approval of qualification guidelines forCommonwealth Games to be held in Gold Coast, Australia andAsian Games to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia next year.
The house also approved the 2018 annual calendar of AFIwhich is designed keeping in mind the CWG and Asian Games.
It was also approved at the AGM that AFI should holdNational Championships of 400m and javelin throw events forboth men and women to increase the pool of talent in these twodisciplines.
The house also approved the qualifying standards for allthe national-level meets. PTI SSCSSC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.