AFI AGM adopts ‘Kma Declaration’ with call for key reforms

The two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) concluded in Kohima with the adoption of the “Kohima Declaration” and a series of key decisions aimed at strengthening athletics across the country.
Addressing media, South Asian Athletics Federation president Lalit K. Bhanot said extensive deliberations were held and credited Nagaland for setting a high benchmark in hosting the AGM. He acknowledged the efforts of AFI vice president Abu Metha and his team, along with support from the state government, adding that members were satisfied with the conduct of the meeting.
Bhanot informed that the SRY gene test, a sex-determination test, has been made mandatory for participation in all national-level competitions, with the cost to be borne by AFI in coordination with the government. He also disclosed that AFI would undertake DNA testing of athletes for research and development purposes, beginning with around 100 athletes this year, to build a database for scientific training and talent development.
On structural reforms, he said AFI has decided to reconstitute district bodies to ensure wider grassroots representation. District executive committees will comprise 15 members, with limited representation from headquarters and the rest from villages, blocks or mandals.
To popularise athletics, Bhanot announced that AFI would organise an annual two-kilometre race across 700 districts on August 30 each year, marking India’s first bronze medal at the World Championships, aimed at promoting mass participation.
Reading out the resolution, AFI vice president Abu Metha said the Kohima Declaration was signed by Bhanot, World Athletics vice president Adille Sumariwalla, AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo and himself. He said the declaration commits to nation-building through sports, promotion of athletics, and fostering national unity and oneness.
Metha said the declaration emphasises creating opportunities for youth participation, enabling athletes to compete at the highest level, and developing an ecosystem for nurturing talent. It also calls for strengthening institutional collaboration between AFI, state governments, associations and stakeholders.
He further highlighted that the declaration places special focus on developing athletics in Nagaland and the Northeast through infrastructure development, capacity building and high-performance pathways, while aiming to position the region as a hub of athletic excellence.
Describing the occasion as historic, Metha noted that it was the first time a national sports federation held its AGM in Nagaland, adding that Kohima’s legacy, particularly its association with the Battle of Kohima during the Second World War, added significance to the event.
World Athletics vice president Adille Sumariwalla said AFI would intensify decentralisation and expand activities to the grassroots with support from state federations. He disclosed that executive committees of Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh were suspended due to non-performance, with ad hoc committees to be formed, while Tripura and Manipur were placed on a watch list and downgraded to associate members without voting rights.
Sumariwalla also informed that AFI approved the appointment of two high-performance directors—Karl-Gunther Lange of Germany for senior athletes and Michael Kamel of the United Kingdom for junior athletes.
On athlete welfare, he said sponsorship discussions were held but kept on hold for further consultation to ensure protection of athletes and sponsors.
Responding to queries, Bhanot said AFI would provide technical support to Nagaland, including event identification, coaching education and expert guidance, while infrastructure development would remain the responsibility of the state government. He added that Nagaland shows potential in middle- and long-distance running and race walking.
Metha said efforts were underway to build a comprehensive athletics ecosystem in the state, noting that over 100 technical officials from Nagaland have already been integrated into the national system.
Earlier, AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of the AGM.
The meeting concluded with AFI officials placing on record appreciation to the Nagaland Athletics Association, the state government and the media. The visiting delegation is scheduled to meet district units and visit Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home before departure.