Ludhiana Athletics Series to Serve as Commonwealth Games Qualification Event
Ludhiana Athletics Series Overview
The upcoming Indian Athletics Series in Ludhiana, set for June 13 in Punjab, will function as a qualification event for the Commonwealth Games, as stated by Adille Sumariwalla, the Chairman of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Selection Committee.
Opportunity for Athletes
Sumariwalla emphasized that this event provides athletes with another chance to meet the qualification standards for the Commonwealth Games. This decision comes after many athletes narrowly missed the required marks during the recent 29th National Senior Athletics Championships held in Ranchi.
"The AFI is offering eligible athletes a second opportunity to achieve the CWG qualification standards in their respective events due to the close misses at the Ranchi competition," he noted in an AFI press release.
Weather Impact on Performance
Following the Ranchi championships, athletes expressed concerns about their performance being hindered by adverse weather conditions, particularly on the final day. In response, the AFI selection committee unanimously agreed to provide another platform for athletes to secure their Commonwealth Games qualification.
"Athletes reported that they were unable to perform at their peak due to unfavorable weather, especially on the last day of the four-day event. After careful consideration, the AFI Selection Committee decided to offer another chance for athletes to achieve the necessary qualification marks," Sumariwalla explained.
Eligibility Criteria
Athletes' performances at the Ludhiana series will be evaluated for selection only if they participated in the four-day domestic competition in Ranchi.
Those who have already met the CWG qualification standards based on their Ranchi performance will retain their qualification. However, they are welcome to compete in Ludhiana if they choose, according to Sumariwalla.
The AFI's previously announced guidelines for CWG athlete selection will remain unchanged. "This opportunity will be extended to athletes in events where they were close to meeting the qualification marks in Ranchi," he added.