Ranchi Set to Host Federation Cup and Asian U23 Selection Trials

The upcoming Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Competition, scheduled for May 22-25 in Ranchi, holds significance beyond its routine nature. It doubles up as a selection trial for the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships, slated for July 9-12 in Ordos, China.

This event is the final chance for athletes to qualify for the prestigious Asian meet and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, occurring from July 23 to August 2. Eligibility requirements are set for athletes aged between 20 to 22 by December 31, 2026. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has released the qualification standards, ensuring a competitive entry into the continental competition.

Notably, the qualifying benchmarks are strategically set below the junior national records, intensifying the challenge. The AFI aims to push athletes to achieve exceptional performance levels in various disciplines, signaling a rigorous selection process ahead of these key international competitions.