The AFI on Wednesday listed lack of technological support, incentives for athletes, scattered events and the absence of glamour as the primary drawbacks of the current system. The federation, however, plans to change this with a new initiative aimed at making athletes financially stable.

“Currently, a Grand Prix has a maximum prize money of Rs 2.5 lakh, we plan to enhance that and make sure that athletes earn at least Rs 25 lakh every year,” AFI secretary Lalit K Bhanot said here.

The AFI said another important step towards enhancing performance would be the grading system that will put athletes in three different pay scales. The elite category would have a base payment of Rs 5 to 10 lakh and would include those in the top-50 of world rankings and Asian Games gold medallists.

The second category will comprise those ranked between 50 to 100 in the world, Asian Games silver and bronze winners and Asian Championship gold winners. The last category will be a general one.

“This system will motivate those in C category to aim for better money and perks in the A category, besides inspire A category athletes to maintain existing performance to remain in the elite group,” Bhanot said.

The revamped calendar will have the Indian Gran Prix, National Championships that will add up to 13 at both senior and junior level, Zonal Meets, National Inter-district Meet for sub-juniors, Marathons and Road races.

“We will make sure that these events don’t escape public or media notice. The tournament will be organised in a manner that they don’t become boring. Proper technological assistance will be provided at the venues,” the AFI secretary said.

Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, who was present at the AFI seminar welcomed the initiative. “Like Twenty20 cricket, athletics also has to be television friendly. We have to make it commercially viable and exciting,” he said.