NEW DELHI: In a move likely to raise eyebrows across the global athletics community, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has entered into a “cooperation agreement” with Russian Athletics, potentially allowing Russian athletes to compete in India’s domestic meets.The development comes despite the ongoing restrictions imposed by World Athletics following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which continue to bar Russian athletes from major international competitions.The agreement, finalized during a recent visit by a Russian delegation to India, lays out a framework for expanded sporting ties, including participation in national competitions, joint training camps, and coaching exchanges. While AFI has not officially detailed the arrangement, Russian Athletics confirmed that its athletes could soon travel to India to compete and chase qualifying marks for global events.“The Russian Athletics is considering the possibility of sending athletes to compete in India. The agreement was reached during an official visit by the Russian delegation. A set of measures has been agreed upon to expand sports cooperation, including participation in national competitions in India. The issue of organizing training sessions for Indian athletes in Russia across several disciplines is also being considered. The parties also agreed to exchange coaching expertise,” the Russian body said in a statement.The delegation was led by executive director Boris Yaryshevsky and secretary general Alexander Djordjadze, who described the pact as a “foundation for long-term cooperation.” Indian representatives at the discussions included Asian Athletics Association vice-president Lalit Bhanot and AFI treasurer BE Stanley Jones.The collaboration also opens the door for Indian athletes to train and compete in Russia, particularly in disciplines such as road running.AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla, speaking from Gaborone, Botswana, said the federation’s position aligns with the Indian government’s stance.“The doping-related ban on Russia was lifted in 2022. The current restrictions are linked to the war in Ukraine, on which India has maintained a neutral position at the United Nations. AFI is guided by government policy. India also participated in the BRICS Games 2024 in Kazan, sending a 142-member contingent and winning 29 medals, including three in athletics. Discussions are ongoing,” he said.Russian athletes remain barred from global events such as the Olympics and World Championships under World Athletics regulations. The International Olympic Committee allows their participation only as neutral individuals under strict conditions, without national symbols and ineligible for team events.
