In the new AFI (Athletics Federation of India) Athletes Commission, which was formed recently after the elections that took place in October 2024 and was launched on January 8, 2025, Anju Bobby George has been appointed the chairperson. It is the biggest achievement of the AFI for equality as six of its nine members are women.
Female Members Of The AFI Athletes Commission
Anju Bobby George, a celebrated long-jumper and bronze medalist at the 2003 World Championships, is joined by five other women: former runners Jyotirmoyee Sikdar and Sunita Rani, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, hurdler M.D. Valsamma and steeplechaser Sudha Singh at the AFI Athletes Commission. George, who also serves as the AFI’s Senior Vice-President, leads the group of accomplished retired athletes. The increase in female representation from four in the previous AFI Athletes Commission to six brings to notice the AFI’s focus on gender parity.
Male Members Of The AFI Athletes Commission
The three male members in the AFI Athletes Commission are the two-time Olympic medalist in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, steeplechaser Avinash Sable and newly-elected AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a shot put gold medalist at the 2002 Asian Games. Neeraj Chopra, widely regarded as the most prominent male athlete in the panel, was nominated after consultations by the AFI’s Executive Council. Sagoo, who chaired the previous commission, has been appointed as a member in this new formation.
Election Process And Transparency
The treasurer of AFI, Madhu Kant Pathak, who headed the elections process, said the process was very fair and transparent.
Adille Sumariwalla To Work As An Ex-Officio
Adille Sumariwalla, the outgoing AFI President, will remain involved as an ex-officio member, representing the AFI on the World Athletics Council. Sumariwalla, 67, who led the AFI for three consecutive terms from 2012, will continue to guide the new leadership and serve as a spokesperson. He has also been appointed chair of a committee that will liaise with the government and international bodies and will join the AFI’s Ethics Commission.
2025 Domestic Athletics Calendar Announced
Apart from the AFI Athletes Commission updates, the AFI announced its domestic competition calendar for 2025. Federation Cup, an important national-level event, would be held at Kozhikode in Kerala from April 21-24 after Panchkula withdrew from the race. The National Inter-State Senior Championships is scheduled for August 20-24 in Chennai. National Open Championships would be conducted in Ranchi from September 27-30.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
