"If athletes don't perform, we will take action against them": Twitter slams AFI for allegedly discouraging Indian athletes

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) statement regarding the two Indian athletes, long jumper M Sreeshankar and 20km race walker KT Irfan, has sparked outrage across social media. AFI Chief stated that 'if the athletes do not perform well in the Olympics 2021, strict action will be taken against them'.

After both athletes failed a fitness test, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) called for an emergency meeting. The selection committee considered the inclusion of both athletes into the Olympic squad. After a lot of brainstorming and assessment, the AFI agreed to allow them to take part in the Olympics. AFI's now controversial statement came after this decision.

However, netizens have not accepted this in a very graceful manner.

Let's have a look at some of the reactions to the incident:

People reacting to AFI

What is this?? Agar perform nahi kiya to goli mar doge kya?? Whats going on here?? #shame pic.twitter.com/s33EKtUdt8

— NADIR UMAR SHEIKH (@nus786) July 23, 2021

No wonder India is a result-oriented country, it's okay to underperform. This is a sport where ups and down happens. Why is there is a threat?Rather try to encourage more participation in sports and Olympics than creating insecurity and uncertainty in players minds.

— Tanuj Birua (@supersonicbirua) July 23, 2021

Did they even read the draft before publishing. The last line says " We will take action against them. If they don't perform well in olympics"Is this a new "threat based motivation for performance"

— Prasad (@shiva21051981) July 23, 2021

No wonder India is a result-oriented country, it's okay to underperform. This is a sport where ups and down happens. Why is there is a threat?Rather try to encourage more participation in sports and Olympics than creating insecurity and uncertainty in players minds.

— Tanuj Birua (@supersonicbirua) July 23, 2021

How did people react to AFI?

Fans slammed the authorities and questioned whether the athletes could be motivated to perform better by threatening them.

Some went on to say that it is important to encourage athletes as ups and downs are a part of sports. They said that threats should never be used to pressurize an athlete to perform better.

Anguished fans took to social media to extend their support to Sreeshankar and KT Irfan. They said creating insecurity and uncertainty in an athlete's mind will never win India any medal.

AFI's statement is bound to raise several questions. Considering the amount of insecurity an athlete lives with, it always adds to the pressure and takes away the freedom to perform at their best. Athletes always require a calm, motivating and encouraging environment.

Taking away the additional pressure helps an athlete improve their performance and deliver the best results for the country.