New selection process for world championships after PU Chitra episode

New Delhi: After the controversial decision surrounding PU Chitra, when she was stopped from participating the World Championships in London last year, the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) has decided to modify the criteria for selection process.According to the modified criteria, the selection panel for world championships cannot take decisions unilaterally.

Also the selection process has to be made public. “The Athletic Federation of India has made some criteria that every athlete should participate in the domestic meets and on the basis of their performance, they will be selected for world championships, Anju Bobby George, the Chairperson of TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and the executive member of Khelo India project instituted by the Union government, told UNI, here. 

She added that the changes were made after receiving complaints that decisions were announced only after the selection committee meeting was over. From now, a criteria has been put in place that whoever win the domestic championship will automatically selected for world championships, she added."There should be no doubt about the selection process", she said. Anju Bobby George also said the coming Federation Cup National Senior Athletic Championship, to be held in Patiala, will be the selection platform for the upcoming Commonwealth games. (UNI)