The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has issued certificates to 11 athletes from Arunachal Pradesh who won medals and participated in various regional and national-level competitions over the past nine years. In total, 17 certificates – three gold, five silver, and nine bronze medals – were issued after proper verification by the Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA). These certificates were issued following a formal request from the AOA.
The issue of non-issuance of certificates from 2017 to 2025 came to the forefront on 13 January, when AOA president Taba Tedir and secretary-general Bamang Tago met AFI officials in New Delhi. The meeting addressed not only the prolonged delay in issuing certificates but also broader concerns related to athletes’ development in the state.
During the discussions, AFI Planning and Development Chairman Dr Lalit Bhanoot disclosed that the Arunachal Athletics Association had been suspended due to the lack of ‘trials’. He further stated that the federation would appoint an ad hoc committee to conduct elections within three months, signalling a move towards restoring proper governance in the association.
Subsequently, on Sunday, the ad hoc committee of the Arunachal Athletics Association distributed the certificates to the athletes at the AOA office. The certificates were formally handed over by the AOA president and the secretary-general.
While the AOA has taken a corrective step, it is also time to put protocols into practice and correct the system, so that such delays are not encountered by players in the future. Athletes who have brought pride to the state through medals at regional and national platforms must receive official recognition, along with financial incentives. These certificates are not mere documents; they play a crucial role in helping sportspersons pursue careers where sporting achievements are a key criterion.