The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Saturday said that it would start certifying tracks in the country as World Athletics (WA) was unhappy over the ‘substandard’ synthetic surfaces in India.

The AFI took this decision at its recently-concluded annual general meeting (AGM) in Kohima.

“There’re so many complaints of synthetic tracks not being up to the standard. We had a meeting with WA in Tokyo and it was evident they were not happy with the quality that was being certified. The AFI will now help in certifying and ensuring that all standards of measurement and quality are met,” AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said at a virtual press conference.

“Ninety per cent-plus tracks in India are substandard — the material, the process, the granules, the laying methodology, the thickness. At places only tyre rubber is being used instead of polyurethane.”

According to Sumariwalla, the SRY gene test, which began last year to identify female athletes (with priority on international athletes), will be done at the national level from the Federation meet in Ranchi next month. The AFI would bear the cost, a reduced amount of ₹3500 per test.

The AGM approved the proposal of introducing DNA testing of the athletes to get data, including muscle composition and its traits, which would help towards training, prevention of injuries and recovery.

About the AFI’s initiative to sign an agreement for safeguarding the interest of athletes and sponsors, Sumariwalla said the federation would have consultations over three months before taking a final decision.

Sumariwalla parried a question on reported allegations of harassment brought up by a top para-athlete against a javelin coach, saying due process would be followed.

He said India would like to host big events. While it has won the bid for the 2028 World Indoor championships, it is in the race for the World under-20 championships and is keen for the 2031 World championships, the Asian Relays in Chandigarh and the Asian Indoor meet in Bhubaneswar.

Sumariwalla touched upon the ‘Kohima Declaration,’ which emphasised integration of north-eastern states through sports, and the conduct of an awards function in Delhi on June 20 to mark the AFI’s 80th year.