Officials during press conference in Kohima on April 15. (Morung Photo)
Reaffirms commitment to advancement of athletics in India
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 15
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) during its Annual General Meeting in Kohima from April 14 to 15, made Kohima Decoration and reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of athletics in India through structured and inclusive initiatives, promotion of national integration through sport, empowerment of youth and talent development, and adherence to Olympic ideals.
Announcing this during a press conference this evening at Hotel Vivor Kohima, the AFI placed on record its profound appreciation to the Government of Nagaland and the people of Nagaland for their exemplary hospitality, meticulous organisation and unwavering support, which have contributed to the resounding success of this assembly.
“This momentous gathering assumes deeper significance as it is hosted in a city that occupies a distinguished place in world history, having stood as a defining theatre during the Battle of Kohima - a turning point in the course of the Second World War and a symbol of resilience, courage and the triumph of human spirit,” the Kohima declaration stated.
Declaration of commitment
Through Kohima Declaration, the AFI affirmed its enduring commitment to advancement of Athletics in India to promote, develop and elevate the sport of athletics across all regions of the nation through structured, inclusive and forward-looking initiatives.
On National Integration through Sport, AFI resolved to harness the unifying power of athletics as a force for national cohesion, mutual respect and shared identity, transcending geographical, cultural and social boundaries.
On empowerment of Youth and Talent Development, it resolved to create pathways, platforms and opportunities that enable young athletes of India to realise their fullest potential and compete with distinction at national and international levels.
On adherence to Olympic ideals, it resolved to uphold and embody the timeless values of the Olympic Movement-Citius, Altius, Fortius - Communiter (Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together)-as guiding principles in all endeavours.
Strategic focus on the North Eastern Region
Recognising the extraordinary reservoir of talent within Nagaland and the wider North Eastern region, the AFI resolved to undertake focused and strategic interventions for the development of athletics in the region.
It also resolved to strengthen institutional collaboration with State Governments, State Athletics Associations and allied stakeholders. It resolved to facilitate infrastructure development, capacity building and high-performance pathways to nurture emerging talent and promote the region as a vibrant hub of athletic excellence by organizing more national and international competitions and bring the region into the national sporting ecosystem.
In adopting this Declaration in Kohima, the AFI not only marks a significant milestone in its institutional journey but also reaffirms its vision of a truly inclusive and nationally integrated sporting framework - one that recognises and celebrates the diversity, strength and potential of every region of India, stated the Kohima declaration signed Dr. Lalit K. Bhanot President, South Asian Athletics Federation & Chairman, AFI Planning Committee, Bahadur Singh Sagoo, President, Athletics Federation of India, Dr. Adille J. Sumariwalla, vice President, World Athletics and Abu Metha, President, Nagaland Athletics Association & Vice President, AFI.
