Why in the News?

• Madhya Pradesh won three gold medals in the 28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championship.

Key Points:

National Federation Senior Athletics Championships:

⇒ It is one of the major domestic athletics competitions in India, organised annually by  the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) .

⇒ The competition provides a common platform for the country's top athletes in track and field events and also forms  the basis for selection for international competitions.

⇒ Its 28th edition was held from 21 to 24 April 2025 in Kochi, Kerala .

⇒ 38 medal events were held in this event .

Importance:

⇒ This performance will prove helpful in establishing Madhya Pradesh on the national athletics map .

⇒ This achievement of the players will become an inspiration for the younger generation .

Athletics Federation of India (AFI):

About:

• AFI was established in 1946 as a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous apex body for athletics in India. It is affiliated with World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the Indian Olympic Association.

Objective:

• To popularize athletics, improve athlete performance, and make the sport commercially viable.

Structure:

• AFI consists of 32 affiliated state and institutional units.

Functions:

• It organizes National Championships, selects teams for international events, and promotes athletics through competitions.
• It also focuses on grassroots development, coaching programs, and special camps to nurture talent.