With focus on 2026 Asian Games, Athletics Federation of India announce qualification standards in January.
It will be challenging task for male Indian 100m sprinters in the build up to the 2026 Asian Games scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Asian Games qualification standard of 10.16 seconds in 100m sprint is faster than the men’s national record of 10.18 seconds set by Animesh Kujur in 2025.
With a goal to improve overall medal tally in track and field at the Asian Games in Japan, the AFI (Athletics Federation of India) announced qualification mark last week in New Delhi. The women’s 100m qualification time of 11.54 seconds is easier to achieve.
While announcing the Asian Games qualification standards, Adille Sumariwalla former AFI president and spokesperson said, the athletes have ample time at hand to peak at the right time and book tickets for the major international multi-discipline competition of the 2026 season. “The AFI will select at least two eligible athletes in each of the events,” Sumariwalla added. “The AFI selection panel will take a final call on the strength of the Indian athletics contingent for the Asian Games.”
Sumariwalla, who is also one of the vice presidents of the World Athletics said, the core group of athletes gave a good account of themselves in 2025, which augurs well for the 2026 season.
“Indian athletics contingent won 29 medals, six of them gold at the previous edition of the 2022 Asian Games held in China,” Sumariwalla added. “I’m confident that the overall medal tally in athletics will be better at the Asian Games in Japan.”
Sumariwalla said, the sixth place finish in track and field events at the previous Asian Games held in China was the benchmark for 2026 Asian Games. However, in several events including 200m, 400m, 800m and high hurdles the qualification mark has been fifth place finish. “The government (Sports Ministry) has been apprised of the AFI qualification mark,” the AFI spokesperson said.
The qualification mark in events like race walk and marathon, the AFI will decide shortly, Sumariwalla added.
The domestic calendar will start with National cross country championships on January 24 but the first major track and field event—National Senior Athletics Federation Competition will be held from May 22 to 25 in Bhubaneswar.
The National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships is scheduled to be held from July 8 to 12 in Bhubaneswar. Both the above track and field competitions will be a good platform to earn qualification marks for the Asian Games. “It is also mandatory for all to compete in state meets and two regional competitions to be eligible for the main track and field competitions,” Sumariwalla added. “Athletes who skip state meets without prior permission will not be eligible for main track and field events.”
ENDS
2026 Asian Games qualification mark
100m: 10.16 seconds (men); 11.54 seconds (women)
200m: 20.88 seconds (men); 23.70 (women)
400m: 45.97 seconds (men); 53.72 seconds (women).
800m: 1:48.80 seconds (men); 2:05.21 seconds (women)
1500m: 3:42.00 seconds (men); 4:19.45 seconds.
5,000m: 13:39.18 seconds (men); 15:36.58 seconds.
10,000m: 29:00.00 seconds (men); 33:50.00 seconds (women)
110m hurdles: 13:63 seconds (men); 100m hurdles: 13.34 seconds (women)
400m hurdles: 49.41 seconds (men); 57.21 seconds (women)
3,000m steeplechase: 8:36.57 seconds (men); 9:47.53 seconds (women).
Long jump: 7.61m (men); 6.48m (women.
Triple jump: 16:28m (men); 13.34m (women)
High jump: 2.19m (men); 1.80m (women)
Pole vault: 5.45m (men); 4.10m (women)
Shot put: 19.41m (men); 16.25m (women)
Discus throw: 60,13m (men); 55.48m (women).
Javelin throw: 77.87m (men); 57.62m (women).
Hammer throw: 69.12m (men); 61.72m (women).
Race walk: 21km/42km: Yet to be decided.
Marathon: 2::15:04 (men); 2::31:52 (women)
Decathlon: 7250 points (men); 5605 points (women)
Relay
4x100m: 38.81 seconds (men); 45.24 seconds (women).
4x400m: 3:04.23 seconds (men); 3:31.23 seconds.
Mixed
4x100m: Yet to be decided.
4x400m: 3:26.81 seconds.
ENDS
