The two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) concluded in Kohima on April 15 with the adoption of the Kohima Declaration, marking a significant step towards strengthening athletics in Nagaland and the Northeast. The meeting, hosted by the Nagaland Athletics Association, was the first time a national sports federation held its AGM in the state.
South Asian Athletics Federation president Lalit K. Bhanot said the meeting involved extensive deliberations and key decisions to strengthen the sport nationwide. AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo said all agenda items were discussed in detail with participation from state and district representatives.
Among the decisions, the federation made SRY gene testing mandatory for national participation, with costs to be borne through government support. It also announced DNA profiling of athletes, starting with around 100 this year, to build a performance database.
AFI decided to restructure district bodies to promote grassroots development, with broader representation from villages and blocks. A nationwide 2-km race across 700 districts will also be organized annually on August 30 to popularize athletics.
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AFI vice president Adille J Sumariwalla announced action against non performing units, including suspension of bodies in Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh, while Tripura and Manipur have been placed on a watch list.
Bhanot also said AFI would provide technical support and coaching education in the Northeast, while infrastructure development would remain the responsibility of the government.
Kohima Declaration
The Kohima Declaration adopted at the AGM reaffirmed the Athletics Federation of India’s commitment to advancing athletics across the country through structured, inclusive and forward looking initiatives. It emphasized the role of athletics in promoting national cohesion, mutual respect and shared identity transcending geographical, cultural and social boundaries.
The declaration highlighted youth empowerment and talent development as key priorities, committing to create pathways and opportunities for young athletes to realize their potential and compete at national and international levels. It also reiterated adherence to the values of the Olympic movement, with a focus on excellence, unity and collective progress.
With a strategic focus on Nagaland and the Northeast, the declaration called for targeted interventions to develop athletics in the region. It stressed the need for stronger institutional collaboration with state governments, athletics associations and stakeholders, along with efforts to support infrastructure development, capacity building and high performance pathways. It also proposed promoting the region as a hub of athletic excellence by organizing more national and international competitions and bring the region into the national sporting ecosystem.
The federation placed on record its appreciation to the Government and people of Nagaland for their hospitality and support, and noted Kohima’s historical significance as the site of the Battle of Kohima, described as a symbol of resilience, courage and the triumph of the human spirit.