Indian Grand Prix: When, where, Tokyo 2020 qualification and events to take place
The Indian Grand Prix will be a qualifying event for Tokyo aspirants
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) are set to organise the Indian Grand Prix (IGP) with a host of Covid-19 protocols in place to keep the deadly virus at bay.
This will provide an opportunity to India's track and field athletes who are vying for a berth in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The Indian GP will be an Olympic qualifier.
"These Grand Prix Series will be treated as the Olympic Qualifier," the AFI said in a circular.
The Indian GP will be the first shot at qualifying for Tokyo 2020 for Indian athletes in 2021.
When will it be held?
The three-series event will be hosted on February 18 (IGP-I), 25 (IGP-II) and March 5 (IGP-III) respectively.
The last date of entries for each Grand Prix is February 12, 19 and 26 respectively.
Where will it be held?
All the events across the three days will be held at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala.
The Covid-19 SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) issued by Athletics Federation of India & Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the District of Local Organising Committee will be enforced, as per the AFI.
Any Athlete/Official found violating the SOP Guidelines will be disqualified, says the AFI.
However, athletes need to have their own arrangements of boarding, lodging & local transport for their participation in the Indian Grand Prix.
Events to take place
IGP I will start with the track events 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 5000m. It will be followed by 400m hurdles, long jump, triple jump, and shot put. Women's discus throw will also be organised on this day.
Whereas, apart from a few repetitions (100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and shot put) the 1500m and javelin throw events will be held in IGP-II.
On March 5, athletes will once again have a go at 200m, 400m, 800m, 5000m, 400m hurdles (men), long jump, shot put, javelin, categories for a ticket to Tokyo. Apart from these, 3000m steeplechase will also be hosted.
The AFI will also host the International Race Walking Championship on February 13 and 14 in Ranchi. This will also be an Olympic qualifying event.