Regional Grand Prix circuit aims to boost
Asian athletics
by Sandeep Nakai (AP)
15 May 2002 – New Delhi, India - Asian
athletics is abuzz with excitement as it braces itself for the launch of a
regional Grand Prix circuit.
“Asia's most-ambitious project of launching its own Grand Prix will materialize this week when the three-leg circuit kicks off in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad," said Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Asian Amateur Athletic Association. “It's a dream come true. This Grand Prix circuit will rewrite Asia's athletic history."
The Asian Grand Prix series comprises three meets in three countries and aims to showcase the top athletes of the region and boost development of track and field.
The circuit will start from Hyderabad, India, on May 18, then moves to Bangkok on May 21 and concludes in Manila, Philippines, on May 26.
There will be 15 events in each of the meets, featuring the top six Asian athletes in each event based on their 2001 performances. In addition, two wild cards per event will be given to the host nation.
“The Asian Grand Prix circuit will help popularize athletics, and provide our athletes with more affordable opportunities to compete in top-class events without traveling long distances,” said Mr. Kalmadi. “The Asian Grand Prix circuit will set new standards of athletic professionalism in the continent.”
New events next year will include an Asian All-Stars meet and the Asian Indoor Championships.
The Asian association is bearing the traveling expenses of athletes and a modest prize money purse - dollars 158,000 for the three-leg circuit - while the host nations cover the remaining costs.
Lalit Bhanot, the Asian Athletic Association's Grand Prix coordinator, said the 2002 series might be a small start, “but it's a significant beginning....Things can only get better from here. A lot of other countries are now inquiring about the prospects of joining the circuit next year."
But Mr. Kalmadi said those vying to join the circuit might have to wait a while. “We'll wait and watch how the inaugural circuit fares before looking at next year's options. We might add more stops on the Grand Prix circuit, or switch venues around the region." The modest start was a deliberate decision, and the Asian body will “court commercial partners only after displaying the inherent strengths of the newly-created circuit.”