REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: The declaration will also underline the role of athletics in nation-building and fostering unity across regions. | Photo Credit: BISWARANJAN ROUT

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has adopted the ‘Kohima Declaration’ for giving a major push to develop athletics in Nagaland and the Northeast through targeted interventions, infrastructure support and promotion of the region as a hub for national and international competitions.

Adopted at the conclusion of its two-day annual general meeting here, the declaration emphasises integrating the Northeast into the national sporting ecosystem while creating pathways for youth to excel at the highest levels.

It also underlined the role of athletics in nation-building and fostering unity across regions.

Briefing the media here on Wednesday, South Asian Athletics Federation president Lalit K. Bhanot said the meeting involved extensive deliberations and resulted in key decisions aimed at strengthening the sport.

Among them, the federation has made SRY gene testing mandatory for athletes participating in national competitions, with the cost to be borne by AFI in collaboration with the government.

The federation will also undertake DNA testing of athletes for research and performance mapping, beginning with around 100 athletes, said Bhanot.

In a move to expand grassroots participation, AFI has decided to restructure district-level bodies to ensure wider rural representation by limiting members from district headquarters and including those from villages and blocks.

To popularise athletics nationwide, the federation will organise an annual 2-kilometre race across about 700 districts on August 30 each year, Bhanot informed.

AFI vice-president and World Athletics president Adille J. Sumariwalla announced action against non-performing state units, stating that the existing bodies in Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh will be suspended and replaced by ad hoc committees.

According to Sumariwalla, Tripura and Manipur have been placed on a watch list and downgraded to associate members without voting rights, warning of further action if performance does not improve.

He also informed that foreign high-performance directors have been appointed for senior and junior athletes to enhance India’s competitive standards.

Published on Apr 15, 2026