The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the apex body in Athletics in India and is responsible for conducting Competitions in the country. It was earlier called as Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI). It is associated with both Asian Athletics Association (AAA) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Athletics Federation of India, then Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI), was formed in 1946 at the initiative of Prof. G.D. Sondhi and Maharaja Yadvindra Singh. Prof. G.D. Sondhi was its first President for a short while, resigning on 13 April 1950.
The Competitions, conducted by the AFI, are divided in three categories “I”, “II” & “III”. Category I is solely conducted by AFI where as Category II includes all those Competitions, for which AFI grant permission to any other party, affiliated Units/Clubs/Organisations. Category III consists of competitions conducted by AFI but not on regular basis.
History of Physical Education and Sports By Ram Mohun Mojumdar History, Foundation of Physical Education and Educational Psychology By Tahir P. Hussain
On August 22, 2016 after the completion of the 2016 Summer Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, the Athletics Federation of India was accused of apathy, after one of the Indian athletes O.P.Jaisha courted controversy by alleging that she was "not given" enough water due to which she fainted at the finish line during the Women's Marathon event.