The Athletics Federation of India has zeroed in on Delhi as the venue of the 20th Asian athletics championships to be held from July 3 to 7, and an official announcement is likely to be made in this regard within the next couple of days.
The AFI, which was left in a quandary after the Tamil Nadu Government cancelled the event originally scheduled to be held in Chennai citing political compulsions, has since then been toying with the idea of holding the prestigious biennial championships at Ranchi prior to its annual general meeting in Delhi last weekend.
However, with most delegates expressing concern over the lack of suitable accommodation facilities in Ranchi besides logistical problems, it was decided to have the five-day meet in Delhi, which had been the venue when India hosted the championships last in 1989.
Giving details to The Hindu on Monday, a top AFI source said AFI president Adille J. Sumariwala and secretary C.K. Valson have been entrusted with the task of taking it up with both the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and the Delhi Government.
“They are already on the job and an official announcement in this regard could be expected within the next two-three days,” sources said.
The selection of the Indian team to take part in the Asian event will be finalised based on the performances at the senior inter-State championships to be held in Chennai from June 3 to 7.
