The Athletics Federation of India’s guidelines to select the Indian team for next year’s Paris Olympics, released on Wednesday, has a rule which says that “qualification standards achieved in any recognised competition will be considered for the purpose of selection only if the athlete is sent by the AFI to participate in such competitions.”
The federation has not explained why it has brought in this rule... perhaps it wants to ensure that its athletes compete in quality meets or just to keep a closer watch on its stars. But it does raise the question: will the federation fund the trip?
“All such athletes will already be a part of ACTC (annual calendar for training and competition) or TOPS (Target Olympic Podium scheme; both schemes are funded by the Government),” Adille Sumariwalla, the AFI president, told The Hindu.
