With Ultra running becoming popular in the country, the Athletics Federation of India has expressed a desire to host several international events in the next couple of years, bids for which have already been submitted.
Announcing this on Monday, AFI president Adille Sumariwalla also added that a special training camp for Ultra runners was being organised to further develop the sport.
India has bid for hosting the IAU 24 Hour Asia & Oceania Championships in 2020 and the 100 Km Asia and Oceania Championships in 2021.
Having joined the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) only in February 2017, India won its first individual and team medal at the 2018 24 Hour Asia and Oceania Championships held at Taipei with Ullas Narayana covering 250 km in 24 hours to finish third.
The Indian team of Narayana, Sunil Sharma and Lallu Meena also managed third spot
In August, the AFI would be inviting a US-based coach for a training camp for top Indian ultra runners.
“I am glad that India joined IAU family only in 2017 and have already made to the podium at the Asia-Oceania 24 Hour Championships at Taipei in 2018. Such results will definitely motivate other Ultra runners in the country and we expect more such results in coming continental events,” IAU president Nadeem Khan said.
The Ultra and Trail Running Committee of the AFI also announced the Ultra and Trail running awards for 2017-18 with Anjali Saraogi and Narayana being named winners.
