AFI president Adille Sumariwalla becomes first Indian elected to World Athletics Executive Board

Budapest: Adille Sumariwalla on Thursday became a member of the powerful World Athletics Executive Board after he was elected as one of the four vice-presidents, the highest post occupied by an Indian in the global track and field governing body. The 65-year-old Sumariwalla, currently the president of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) since 2012, received the third highest number of votes cast during the WA elections held two days ahead of World Championships in Budapest. He will serve a four year term.

BIG DAY for Indian athletics. Adille Sumariwalla, president, AFI, has been elected one of the vice presidents of the @WorldAthletics@Adille1 @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/YKgtnwCq5v

— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) August 17, 2023

The four candidates who get the highest number of votes out of the eight in fray for vice presidents’ post get a seat in the WA Executive Board, the highest decision making body of the world body. The Executive Board consists of the president, four vice presidents, three appointed members and a chief executive officer (non voting). Sumariwalla, an Olympian 100m runner, has also been a member of the WA Council since 2015.