Long-jump legend Anju Bobby George has been appointed as the chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) newly-formed nine-member Athletes Commission. The panel, unveiled on Wednesday, is a major step toward achieving gender parity, with six women included among its members.
Anju Bobby George, who clinched a historic bronze medal at the 2003 World Athletics Championships and currently serves as the senior vice president of the AFI, leads this diverse commission. The panel also features javelin throw sensation Neeraj Chopra, India’s two-time Olympic medalist, as its most prominent male member.
The female members of the commission include accomplished athletes from various disciplines:
- Jyotirmoyee Sikdar (runner)
- Krishna Poonia (discus thrower)
- MD Valsamma (hurdler)
- Sudha Singh (steeplechaser)
- Sunita Rani (runner)
The male members include steeplechaser Avinash Sable, along with Bahadur Singh Sagoo, the newly elected AFI president and a 2002 Asian Games shot put gold medalist. Sagoo previously chaired the Athletes Commission.
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The inclusion of retired athletes in the commission marks a notable milestone for AFI, as the previous commission included only four women. Outgoing AFI treasurer Madhu Kant Pathak confirmed that the elections, held in October last year, followed due process.
“Election notification was issued and other rules and regulations were followed. Five members were elected. Later, after consultation with the executive council, four members, including Neeraj Chopra and Avinash Sable, were added,” Pathak said.
Chopra and Sable, both active athletes, initially expressed concerns about dedicating time to the commission but eventually accepted their roles after discussions with the AFI executive council. The Athletes Commission’s formation reflects AFI’s commitment to inclusivity and better representation, setting the stage for a more balanced and collaborative future in Indian athletics.
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