To broaden the training base across the country, the Athletics Federation of India has decided to decentralise national coaching camps from next year, AFI president Adille Sumariwalla said on Friday. However, the national camps in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in select events will continue for the elite athletes. Instead of having national coaching camps in three main cities -- Bengaluru, Patiala and Thiruvananthapuram -- the AFI in future will conduct as many as 20 camps across the country. Sarabjot Singh, Divya Thadigol Subbaraju Assure India of Medal in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Shooting Event at Asian Games 2023.

"The major decision to decentralise national camps was taken during AFI's Special General Meeting held virtually on Thursday," Sumariwalla said. "More pockets of coaching camps across the country will strengthen the infrastructure and broaden the training base."

According to Sumariwalla, who is one of the vice presidents of the World Athletics, modalities to supervise the coaching camps across the country will be chalked out soon.

"The AFI will constitute a panel that will prepare a draft to oversee the functioning of the camps spread across the nation," the AFI president said.

In preparation for the 2024 Paris Games, the AFI will continue to have national camps for elite athletes in seven disciplines, mainly javelin (men and women), steeplechase (men and women), jumps (long and triple), throws (men shot put), race walking (both men and women) and 4x400m relay (men and women).

"We have a bright chance of podium in selected disciplines at the Olympic Games. Hence, we don't want to break the rhythm of the core group of athletes in the above seven discipline," he added.

Generally, over 100 athletes are shortlisted for the national coaching camps in preparation for major competitions, including Asian Games. However, post decentralisation the AFI president believes the number of athletes selected for the camps will be over 400.

"For each training centre the AFI might select around 50 athletes," he added.

The virtual SGM meeting was attended by over 60 officials, including members of the state units. Former international athletes, including Olympian and world bronze medallist, Anju Bobby George, also attended the meeting. Russian, Belarusian Athletes To Compete As Neutrals in Paris Paralympics 2024 After Being Granted Permission by International Paralympic Committee.

According to Sumariwalla, majority of those present during the virtual meeting were of the view that national coaching camps should be conducted at several venues across the country.

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