India to host International Race Walking Championship: When, where and everything you need to know

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is set to organise the 8th national open and 4th international race walking championship in 2021. The event has significance as it will be an Olympic qualification event.

When is the international race walking championship being held?

The events are going to be held on February 13 and 14, 2021.

Where is it being held?

The AFI has given the responsibility to Jharkhand Athletics Association (JAA) to host the events. The JAA will organise it at Morabadi in Ranchi.

This will be the second year in a row that Ranchi will host the event.

What are the categories?

The meet will be held in three categories — 50km men, 20km men and women (Olympic qualification sprint) and 10km U20 men and women (Asian Championship qualification).

Who will participate?

Around 280 Indian athletes and over 30 overseas athletes are set to take part in the meet.

When Ranchi hosted the event in 2020, 24-year-old Bhawna Jat was the lone candidate who managed to book her place for the Tokyo Olympics in the women's 20km event.

“There is a place for a total of four athletes in men’s and women’s categories. So, three more players have to be picked,” said Sashank Singh, JAA joint treasurer.

He also assured that all Covid-19 safety norms laid down by the government and AFI will be followed. Moreover, he also claimed that Ranchi's infrastructure and climate would help the athletes perform at their optimum best.

“The walking trail used in the first edition in Morabadi suited all participants and everyone liked the weather conditions here. Hence, we have been given a second chance to host this tournament. We hope by February, the Covid-19 situation will gradually subside,” he stated.

The JAA also hopes that staging the event will help popularise the sport in the state.