The Annual General Meeting 2026 of the Athletics Federation of India began in Kohima to discuss grassroots expansion.
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KOHIMA — The Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 began in Kohima on Monday, with top officials highlighting major policy decisions, grassroots expansion, and the growing role of the Northeast in Indian athletics.
A press conference in this regard was held at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, ahead of the AGM.
It was addressed by Dr. Lalit K Bhanot, President of the South Asian Athletics Federation; Dr. Adille J Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics; Bahadur Singh Sahoo, President of the Athletics Federation of India; and Abu Metha, President of the Nagaland Athletics Association and Vice President of AFI.
Metha announced the official start of the AFI AGM, adding that this is the first time a national sports federation is hosting its AGM in Nagaland, which itself is significant.
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland and the Nagaland Athletics Association, he welcomed the delegation to Kohima and expressed appreciation to AFI and its leadership for placing their trust in the state.
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Dr. Bhanot stated that AFI has been holding meetings in different parts of the country to encourage and involve local athletic associations in developing athletics in their areas. He said they became aware of the interest of the Nagaland government and Metha when the state hosted the South Asian cross-country event, the first international athletics event in Nagaland.
Highlighting AFI’s Inter-District Programme, he stated that over 650 districts are affiliated and actively developing athletics. He noted that Nagaland is making efforts to strengthen district associations to identify talent and create interest at the grassroots.
Dr. Bhanot said the AGM will discuss important issues, including the introduction of SRY gene testing for women athletes to ensure equal competition, as mandated by World Athletics. He said AFI will make it compulsory in the future and will bear the cost of the tests.
He also informed that AFI plans to introduce DNA testing for upcoming athletes to study genetic traits and compare them with senior athletes. Other discussions will include reviewing reports from state associations and analysing performance trends across states.
On training, he said AFI has decentralised coaching, moving away from centralised national camps, as facilities like synthetic tracks are now available across the country. He added that efforts are being made to ensure each district has trained coaches and technical officials, and to identify and nurture talent based on physical potential.
Meanwhile, Metha said Nagaland is happy to host the AGM in Kohima, with top administrators, coaches, sponsors, sports scientists, and former legends in attendance.
He said the meeting will also focus on strategy and preparation for upcoming international events, including the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, world championships, and the Olympics.
He added that the AGM will discuss the development of athletics in the Northeast, promoting inclusivity, national integration, and bringing the youth of the region to the national mainstream through sports.
Metha also informed that the chief minister will inaugurate the AGM on Tuesday morning, while the governor will host an official dinner later in the evening. Delegates will also visit the World War II Cemetery in Kohima to lay a wreath.
Dr. Sumariwalla said AFI’s strategy focuses on both elite performance and grassroots development. He highlighted India’s progress in international competitions, noting increased medal tallies in the Asian Games, Olympics, and Commonwealth Games.
He said AFI’s grassroots programme is among the largest in the world, covering over 650 districts, with competitions held even in areas without synthetic tracks. He stated that over 6,500 athletes from 620 districts participated in the inter-district meet, and most top athletes have emerged from this system.
Dr. Sumariwalla said AFI has also focused on developing coaches and technical officials, conducting 42 competitions annually, and building a strong ecosystem to support athletes.
Responding to a question on gaps in the Northeast, Dr. Bhanot said athletics in the region has just taken off and requires continued effort.
He said AFI will guide district associations on organising events, encouraging participation, and identifying suitable events for athletes based on their physical potential. Furthermore, Dr. Bhanot added that with proper support, infrastructure, and technical guidance, athletics in Nagaland and the Northeast will continue to grow.