Athletics Federation of India Releases Qualification Standards for Asian Games 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has formally unveiled the qualification standards for the Asian Games 2026, providing early clarity to athletes and coaches as preparations begin for the continental showpiece.

The standards were announced during a media interaction in New Delhi, marking an important milestone in India’s long-term planning cycle following its historic athletics campaign at the 2022 Asian Games.

At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022, Indian athletics enjoyed its most successful outing on the continental stage, returning with a remarkable haul of 29 medals six gold, fourteen silver and nine bronze. That performance not only underlined India’s growing depth across track, field and combined events, but also raised expectations for the next edition. The newly released benchmarks reflect AFI’s intent to build on that momentum while maintaining a competitive, performance-driven selection process.

The qualification standards cover a wide range of events across men’s and women’s disciplines, including sprints, middle- and long-distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, relays and combined events. In line with recent policy, the benchmarks are demanding, clearly aimed at ensuring that athletes selected for the Asian Games are capable of competing for finals and podium finishes rather than merely participating.

For track events, AFI has set time standards that broadly align with recent Asian-level medal and finalist performances. Sprint events such as the 100m, 200m and 400m, as well as middle-distance races from 800m to 1500m, have thresholds that encourage athletes to consistently perform at or near national record levels. Long-distance events, including the 5000m, 10,000m and steeplechase, also reflect the federation’s emphasis on sustained international competitiveness.

In the field events, the standards underline India’s traditional strengths as well as areas of strategic focus. Throws such as javelin, discus, shot put and hammer disciplines that have delivered multiple Asian Games medals in recent cycles feature qualification marks that are firmly in line with top Asian performances. Similarly, the benchmarks for jumps, including long jump, triple jump, high jump and pole vault, aim to push athletes towards global-quality consistency.

Combined events and relays have also been included, though AFI has clarified that certain criteria will be finalised later by the selection committee. Events such as race walks, mixed relays and some combined disciplines will have their qualification pathways announced at a later stage, allowing flexibility based on international calendars, rule updates and evolving competitive depth.

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AFI officials stressed that the standards are not merely cut-off marks, but part of a broader evaluation framework. Factors such as consistency, fitness, injury history, championship performance and readiness for multi-round competitions will continue to play a role in final selections. This approach mirrors the federation’s recent emphasis on accountability and long-term athlete development rather than one-off performances.

The early release of qualification standards is expected to benefit athletes significantly. With the benchmarks now public, elite and emerging athletes can plan their competition schedules, training peaks and qualification attempts more strategically over the next two seasons. Coaches, too, gain clarity in structuring annual training plans with clear performance targets in mind.

As Indian athletics enters a new Olympic cycle post-Paris, the Asian Games 2026 will serve as a crucial benchmark event both as a test of depth and as a platform to consolidate India’s status as a rising power in Asian athletics. The qualification standards released by AFI signal a clear message: expectations are higher, competition for places will be intense, and only those ready to challenge Asia’s best will earn the right to wear national colors.

With selection criteria still to be refined in a few events, AFI has left room for adaptive decision-making. But the direction is unmistakable performance, preparedness and podium potential will define India’s athletics contingent at the 2026 Asian Games.

Here is the Qualifying Standards: