AFI bans 6 states including Delhi, Haryana for fielding over-age athletes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has banned six states, including Delhi and Haryana, for fielding overaged athletes while slapping two-year suspensions on 14 other athletes for doping. This decision was taken during a two-day meeting of the Executive Committee of AFI on December 22nd and 23rd. “In order to curb the overage and doping menace the Executive Committee of Athletics Federation of India, which met here on 22nd and 23rd, have decided to enforce stringent measures on both erring athletes and their respective state-units,” AFI said in a release. [caption id=“attachment_1307247” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Getty Images[/caption] “As much as 44 athletes found over-aged during the year in various age-group meetings have been barred for two years while the six erring states, to which the above athletes belong, will be suspended for a year. “The federation also noted 14 athletes found positive on doping from the beginning of this year and suspend them for a period of 2 years,” the release said. The six states, namely, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will not be able to field their athletes for the next season. But the athletes of these states can take part in National events under the banner of AFI. “Further it was also decided as per the provisions in the constitution of Athletics Federation of India, not to allow the 6 (six) States to participate in any competitions organised by AFI for a period of one year,” the AFI said. “However, the athletes may be allowed to participate under the banner of AFI if the President/ Secretary so desire.” PTI