AFI postpones inter-state championships after coaches raise concern over IAAF Worlds

06/04/2019

The Athletic Federation of India has decided to postpone the National Inter-State Athletics Championships after coaches raised the concern of preparation for the IAAF World Championships. Another reason was also West Bengal Athletics Association's inability to host the event in that period.

Originally, the National Inter-State Athletics Championships was supposed to be held from July 14-17. However, with the championships being a qualifying event for the IAAF World Championships that has scheduled to be held in Doha from September 28 to October 6, coaches have pointed out the huge gap between the two events.

"As per the AFI competition calendar, the National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships was to be held from July 14-17. In this connection, it is intimated that majority coaches in the national camp have opined that the gap between National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships is rather considered more than it should normally be," an AFI circular dated June 1 read, reported PTI.

To further complicate the situation, the West Bengal Athletics Association has also denied hosting the event during that particular date in July due to various reasons, which the circular mentioned as well.

"They feel that the athletes may not be able to repeat their performances in IAAF World Championships if National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships is conducted as per schedule. Moreover, West Bengal Athletics Association have also expressed its inability to host this Championships in Kolkata on the said dates.

"In view of the above and keeping in mind the interest of the athletes, National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships has been postponed," added the circular signed by AFI secretary C K Valson.

The AFI further has informed that fresh dates and venue of the championships will be intimated later.