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India Shifts to Performance-Based Athlete Selection for 2026 Asian Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 3rd 2026 at 10:15 GMT by mykhel

Performance Over Politics: AFI’s Strict Selection Criteria Set the Stage for Indian Athletes at the 2026 Asian Games

The upcoming 2026 Asian Games, slated to be held in Hangzhou, China (originally planned but now moved), will see a significant shift in how India selects its athletes. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced a stringent, performance-based selection policy designed to prioritize merit and ensure the nation sends its strongest possible team. This marks a departure from previous selection processes that have often been criticized for being influenced by factors beyond athletic achievement, including political considerations and personal connections. The new guidelines, detailed in a comprehensive document released by the AFI, aim to foster greater transparency and accountability within Indian athletics and elevate the country’s standing on the Asian stage.

A Focus on Qualifying Standards & Ranking Points

At the heart of the AFI's plan is a tiered system based on qualifying standards and World Athletics ranking points. Athletes will need to meet specific performance benchmarks in designated events to be considered for selection. These benchmarks are not arbitrary; they’re closely aligned with the performance levels expected at the Asian Games, aiming to ensure that selected athletes are genuinely competitive. The AFI has explicitly stated that meeting these standards is not a guarantee of selection but establishes a baseline expectation.

The qualifying window will begin on January 1, 2025, and extend until June 30, 2026. During this period, athletes can earn points through participation in approved national and international competitions. The AFI has outlined a clear point system where higher-level events (World Athletics Diamond League, World Championships, Asian Championships) award more points than lower-tier meets. This incentivizes athletes to compete at the highest possible level, further refining the pool of potential representatives.

Addressing Past Concerns: A Move Away from Discretionary Selection

The previous selection process has been a source of considerable controversy in Indian athletics. Instances of athletes being selected despite subpar performances or lacking sufficient qualifying marks have fueled accusations of favoritism and undermined the integrity of the system. The MyKhel article highlights that these past practices often involved discretionary selections, where selectors could override performance-based criteria based on subjective assessments. This new policy aims to eliminate this ambiguity and reduce opportunities for bias.

The AFI’s move is a direct response to calls for greater transparency and accountability within Indian sports administration. It acknowledges the need to build trust among athletes and fans alike by demonstrating that selection decisions are solely based on merit. The article references previous instances, like the controversy surrounding certain selections for the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where performance-based arguments were seemingly disregarded, further highlighting the urgency of reform.

Specific Selection Categories & Criteria

The AFI’s guidelines outline several categories of selection:

• Category A: Athletes who achieve a performance level equal to or better than the Asian Games benchmark in an approved competition during the qualifying period will be automatically selected, provided they meet other eligibility criteria (like being registered with World Athletics and adhering to anti-doping regulations).
• Category B: Athletes who don't meet Category A standards but are ranked within the top 8 in Asia based on their accumulated ranking points during the qualifying period will be considered. This provides a pathway for athletes who may not have had opportunities to achieve benchmark performances but demonstrate consistent high-level performance.
• Category C: In exceptional circumstances, and only after careful consideration by a selection committee, athletes who don't meet Category A or B criteria may be selected. However, this is strictly limited to cases where the athlete demonstrates extraordinary potential or has faced unusual circumstances hindering their ability to achieve qualifying marks. The burden of proof for such selections will rest heavily on the applicant and require substantial justification.

The Role of the Selection Committee & Appeals Process

While performance data forms the primary basis for selection, a selection committee will still play a crucial role in reviewing applications, particularly those falling under Category C. This committee is expected to comprise experienced athletics professionals with a proven track record of impartiality. The MyKhel article emphasizes that the committee's decisions must be well-documented and justified based on objective criteria.

Furthermore, the AFI has established an appeals process for athletes who believe they have been unfairly excluded from consideration. This provides a mechanism for addressing grievances and ensuring fairness in the selection process. This appeals process is crucial to maintaining transparency and accountability.

Impact & Potential Challenges

The implementation of this new policy represents a significant step forward for Indian athletics. It has the potential to elevate the overall standard of competition, motivate athletes to strive for excellence, and foster greater public confidence in the national team. However, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent enforcement across all events and addressing potential loopholes will be critical. Furthermore, providing adequate support and opportunities for athletes from less privileged backgrounds to achieve qualifying standards is essential to prevent the policy from inadvertently disadvantaging them.

The AFI’s commitment to a performance-led selection process signals a new era for Indian athletics – one where merit reigns supreme and the nation's best athletes have a fair chance to represent their country on the world stage. The success of this initiative will depend not only on the clarity of the rules but also on the unwavering adherence to them by all stakeholders involved.

I hope this article provides a comprehensive summary of the MyKhel article and offers valuable context for understanding the changes in Indian athletics selection policy. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further elaboration!