Paris Olympics 2024: AFI has no issues with naming six athletes in the men’s 4x400m relay team

World Athletics’ (WA) recent changes in criteria for picking the 4x400m relay squads for the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024 have created confusion. Nevertheless, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), on Sunday, July 7, announced that there should be no issues in including six runners in the men’s 4x400m relay team for the mega event.

Interestingly, the projected number of qualified athletes exceeded the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) maximum quota of 1810. According to various sources, World Athletics has agreed to reduce the overall number of entries.

Initially, the nations were allowed to announce only five athletes with full accreditation in each 4x400m relay team, granting them full access to the Olympic Village, facilities, transportation, and many more. The additional athlete could be used as a replacement player when needed.

However, the newly revised criteria by the World Athletics on July 4 states that the reserve athlete will no longer receive full accreditation but will be considered as an additional athlete, eligible to ace as a replacement.

However, this reserve athlete will be able to reside in the Games Village within the existing bed allocation of the National Olympic Committee.

Notably, India doesn't have a runner in the individual men's 400m event. When asked if a nation can still name six athletes in its relay team, the AFI president Adille Sumariwala stated (via The Bridge) that "there is no problem."

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AFI to submit its athlete entries to IOA on July 8

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is expected to submit its athlete entries to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday, July 8.

An IOA source stated to PTI that the additional athletes could be accommodated outside the Games Village if need be.

"The rules will be the same for all countries, whether it's a five-athlete or six-athlete rule. But the IOA can always accommodate any additional athlete outside the Games Village in case they are needed as replacements later," the source told PTI.

The six-member team comprising Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, Amoj Jacob, Santhosh Tamilarasan, Rajesh Ramesh, and Mijo Chacko Kurian will be a part of the men’s 4x400 relay squad at the Paris Olympics 2024.

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