Paris Olympics: India's 4x400m Men's Relay Squad Unaffected by New World Athletics Rules

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The recent changes made by World Athletics (WA) in selecting relay teams for the Paris Olympics led to some confusion. However, the national federation stated on Sunday that there should be no issue with India including six runners in the 4x400m men's team.

According to sources, World Athletics (WA) has reportedly agreed to reduce the number of overall entries as the projected number of qualified athletes surpassed the maximum quota of 1810 set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Previously, a country was permitted to designate five athletes with full accreditation, granting them access to the Olympic Village, facilities, transportation, etc., along with one alternate athlete who could be activated later as a replacement.

Under the revised criteria following WA's notification on July 4, the reserve athlete will no longer qualify for full accreditation. Instead, they will be regarded as an additional alternate who can serve as a replacement athlete. The reserve athlete will have the opportunity to stay in the Games Village within the bed allocation of the National Olympic Committee.

IOA ready to accommodate extra athletes outside games village

As quoted by PTI AFI President Adille Sumariwalla, "There's no problem" with a country naming six athletes on its relay team, even if it does not have a runner in the individual event. Sumariwalla also serves as vice president and executive board member at World Athletics.

Another AFI official affirmed that the federation is committed to adhering to the rules and fulfilling all necessary requirements.
The AFI is submitting entries for its athletes through the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday. A source from the IOA informed PTI that they have the capacity to accommodate extra athletes outside the Games Village.

The source clarified that the rules will apply uniformly to all countries, regardless of whether they are following the five-athlete or six-athlete rule. Additionally, the IOA is prepared to house any additional athlete outside the Games Village if they are needed as a replacement later on.

The Indian 4x400m men's relay team has Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, Arokia Rajiv and Amoj Jacob. They qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 after finishing second in the second-round heat at the World Athletics Relays in May.