Participation in National Open mandatory for sprint team selection

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced that performance at the National Open Athletics Championships to be held in Ranchi will decide who will represent the country at the Asian Games in the 4x100 metres relay event. The AFI is looking to select eight athletes for both men’s and women’s 4x100 relay team for the 2026 Asian Games that is to be held in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19.

As per the AFI circular, the top six for the team will be selected on merit based on finishing positions. The remaining two athletes will be selected based on their performance at the National Open Athletics Championships and other competitions held this year.

Further, the AFI has made it compulsory for hopefuls to participate at the National Inter State meet to be held in Chennai. “Athletes interested to be part of the relay team must also participate in the 64th National Open Athletics Championships, scheduled from 2-24 August 2025 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Non-participation in this event will lead to disqualification from relay team competition,” AFI secretary general Sandeep Mehta said in the circular.

The selected athletes will then undergo relay training together.