National Youth (U-18) Athletics Championships
by Athletics Federation of India
National medals and India team pathway
National Youth (U-18) Athletics Championships is a competition by Athletics Federation of India for children aged 16 to 18, open to students across India.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Registration fee applies
Duration
3 competition days
Format
Individual
Time needed
Varies by event and round
Key dates
- Competition
- 1 Sept 2026 to 3 Sept 2026
Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana, Punjab
About this opportunity
The National Youth (U-18) Athletics Championships is the Athletics Federation of India's flagship national track and field competition for under-18 athletes. It brings together the country's top youth athletes across sprints, middle and long distance, hurdles, jumps, throws, race walks and combined events.
The championships are open to athletes aged 16 or 17 on 31 December of the competition year, entered through their affiliated state athletics associations. Each state can field a maximum of two athletes per event, and athletes must meet AFI-prescribed qualification standards in the entered events. Age verification is conducted a day before competition begins.
Medal winners and high performers gain national ranking, qualify for AFI national coaching camps, and form the selection pool for the Asian U-18 Athletics Championships and World Athletics U-18 events. Athletes also earn recognition certificates from the federation.
The meet runs over three days at an AFI-approved synthetic track venue, with results recorded on the official AFI events portal. State-level qualifying meets typically precede entries to the national championships.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 16 to 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Prerequisites
- Athletes must be aged 16 or 17 on 31 December of the competition year
- Entry only through the athlete's affiliated state athletics association
- Athletes must meet AFI-prescribed qualification standards for the entered event
- Valid age proof required for verification a day before competition
Open to Indian under-18 athletes (aged 16 or 17 on 31 December of the competition year) entered through affiliated state athletics associations, who meet AFI qualification standards.
Know in seconds if your child qualifies.
The app checks eligibility for you.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Gold, silver, bronze medals per event
Certificate
AFI participation and merit certificates
Recognized by
Recognition
National U-18 ranking and selection pool
Rounds & format
Track events with larger fields are run with heats and finals; field events are conducted with qualification and final rounds where entries warrant. Combined events are scored across their constituent disciplines.
How entries are judged
Performance is measured under World Athletics technical rules using electronic timing for track events, certified measurement for field events, and IAAF-style scoring tables for combined events.
Selection process
Athletes are ranked by performance in each event; top three earn medals. Top performers feed AFI national camps and India team selection for Asian/World U-18 meets.
How to apply
- 1Athletes apply via their affiliated state athletics association
- 2State association submits entries on the AFI online entry portal
- 3Each state may enter a maximum of two athletes per event; an athlete may enter up to two individual events
- 4Entry fee paid online along with entry submission
- 5Age and qualification proof uploaded with entry; verification done on the eve of competition
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The entry fee is paid online per athlete per event at the time of entry submission, as prescribed in the AFI competition circular for the edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Youth (U-18) Athletics Championships free?
No, a registration fee applies. Check the organizer's official page for the current amount.
Who can participate in National Youth (U-18) Athletics Championships?
Children aged 16 to 18.
What will my child gain from National Youth (U-18) Athletics Championships?
National medals and rankings in U-18 athletics. Selection pathway to Asian U-18 and World U-18 championships. Entry into AFI national coaching camps for top performers. Official results recorded on the AFI events portal. Recognition certificates issued by the national federation. Exposure to high-quality competition under World Athletics rules.
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