The Rise of Indian Athletics and the Road to the Paris Olympics 2024
The journey of Indian athletics has been one of steady growth and promising achievements. With the upcoming Paris Olympics, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is optimistic about India’s performance on the global stage. Adille Sumariwalla, the President of AFI, credits strategic planning and grassroots development for the rise of Indian athletes. In this exclusive article, we delve into the key factors contributing to India’s success and the preparations for the Paris Olympics.
Grassroots Development: The Foundation of Indian Athletics
The Athletics Federation of India has placed great emphasis on grassroots development, recognizing it as the bedrock of Indian athletics. With the largest grassroots program in the world, spanning across 600 districts, the AFI has provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent. The inter-district competitions in the under-14 and under-16 age groups have become a breeding ground for future champions. Around 95% of athletes representing India have emerged from these competitions. This investment in grassroots development has laid a solid foundation for the rise of Indian athletics.
Strategic Redesign of Junior Programs
To ensure the holistic development of young athletes, the AFI has strategically redesigned its junior programs. The focus is on preventing early specialization and over-training at a young age. Junior-level athletes now participate in modified events such as the standing long jump, which helps develop fundamental skills. Additionally, the use of specially crafted plastic javelins for under-16 athletes encourages proper throwing techniques. These initiatives aim to nurture well-rounded athletes who can excel in a variety of events.
The Javelin Revolution and Neeraj Chopra’s Dominance
One of the standout success stories of Indian athletics is the revolution in javelin throwing. The AFI recognized the potential of this event and made significant investments in coaching and training. Despite initial skepticism about Indians’ physical attributes for the sport, the coaches proved that success in javelin throwing is determined by speed and technique. The remarkable achievement of having three Indians in the top 10 at the World Championships is a testament to the gravity of this accomplishment. Neeraj Chopra, in particular, has emerged as a dominant force in the sport, with his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.
Paris Olympics: The Next Challenge
As India prepares for the Paris Olympics, the focus is on strategic planning and ensuring athletes peak at the right time. Adille Sumariwalla emphasizes the importance of fixing the calendar to optimize training, preparation, and competition schedules. The goal is to ensure that athletes reach their peak performance during the Olympics. This approach requires careful coordination of competitions and training camps to align with the desired timeline.
Qualification and Selection Criteria
The Athletics Federation of India has established clear guidelines for the qualification and selection of athletes for the Paris Olympics. Athletes must achieve at least the 16th-place performance of the last Olympics (Tokyo 2021) in addition to meeting the qualification standards. The federation also introduced a rule stating that qualification standards achieved in recognized competitions will be considered only if the athlete is sent by the AFI to participate. While the rationale behind this rule is not explicitly explained, it highlights the federation’s intention to ensure athletes compete in quality meets and maintain closer oversight.
Funding and Support for Athletes
The question arises whether the AFI will fund the trips of athletes who do not fall under the ACTC (Annual Calendar for Training and Competition) or TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) programs. Adille Sumariwalla clarifies that all athletes participating in international competitions will already be a part of these schemes, which are funded by the government. This ensures that athletes receive financial support for their participation, including expenses for accommodation, transportation, and meals. However, further clarification is needed regarding athletes who do not fall under these programs but achieve qualification standards in international meets.
The Need for Quality International Meets
India’s lack of quality international meets poses a challenge for athletes aiming to accumulate world ranking points for Olympic qualification. Many national championships in India fall under lower category meets, offering fewer world ranking points. To compensate for this, Indian athletes are increasingly seeking opportunities to compete in international competitions to earn valuable points. The AFI’s rule regarding athletes’ participation in recognized competitions emphasizes the importance of seeking quality meets to enhance the chances of Olympic qualification.
The Call for Further Clarification
While the AFI’s initiatives and guidelines are commendable, there is a need for further clarification to ensure fairness and transparency. Clarity is required regarding the funding of athletes who do not fall under the ACTC or TOPS programs but achieve qualification standards. Additionally, athletes and stakeholders seek clarification on the AFI’s role in supporting athletes’ participation in international meets and the selection process based on performances achieved outside the AFI’s purview.
A Promising Future for Indian Athletics
The success of Indian athletes at recent events, such as the Asian Games and World Championships, showcases the remarkable progress made by Indian athletes. With the AFI’s focus on grassroots development, strategic planning, and support for athletes, the future looks promising. The rise of athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Avinash Sable, Jyothi Yarraji, and Harmilan Bains exemplifies the potential of Indian athletics on the global stage. As India prepares for the Paris Olympics, the nation eagerly awaits the opportunity to make its mark and continue the upward trajectory of Indian athletics.
Conclusion
The rise of Indian athletics can be attributed to a combination of strategic planning, grassroots development, and the emergence of talented athletes. The efforts of the Athletics Federation of India, led by Adille Sumariwalla, have laid the foundation for India’s success in international competitions. As the nation gears up for the Paris Olympics, the focus is on optimizing training, ensuring athletes peak at the right time, and providing the necessary support and resources. With these key ingredients in place, Indian athletes are poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage, representing the nation with pride and determination.
