By IANS
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Saturday warned athletes of suspension up to a year if they do not attend coaching camps and avoid competitions.
The decision was taken at the annual general body meeting of the federation, announced AFI secretary Lalit Modi.
“The federation has made it mandatory for all athletes to attend all coaching camps and also participate in all competitions organised by the federation, if selected, failing which they could face suspension up to a period of one year,” he said.
“This has been done to encourage athletes to participate in more number of competitions and to ensure continuity in the training.”
The AFI also asked the state associations to disaffiliate units that do not conduct annual district meets or/and do not take part in the national district level competitions.
At the meeting, veteran sports administrator Umrao Singh was “unanimously” elected AFI president while Bhanot retained the secretary’s post for a four-year term, till 2012.
The general body decided that former AFI president Suresh Kalmadi, now its life president, and Bhanot will be permanent representatives of the federation at the Indian Olympic Association, Asian Athletics Association and International Association of Athletics Federations.
Bhanot also announced a revamped domestic calendar. A three-member committee, headed by former international sprinter Adilee Sumariwalla, has been formed to make the calendar more “meaningful, attractive and conducive” so that sponsors could be attracted to the sport.
Veteran coach J.S. Saini and M.K. Pathak are the other members of the panel, which has been asked to submit its report within three months. The decisions taken by this panel will be implemented next year.
Another suggestion mooted by the house was to introduce prize money in competitions to make them more attractive.