With just a month to go to the competition, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed the city had stepped in to secure this year's event that will now be held at the Balewadi Sports Complex, a 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games venue, on July 3 until 7.

"Pune will host the Asian Athletics Championships from July 3 to 7," AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said.

"It's the final decision and the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) has given us the go ahead."

AFI secretary general C K Valson revealed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has signed the approval letter, making the decision "final".

"We have been told officially that the letter of approval has been signed by the Maharashtra Chief Minister and the document is expected to reach us anytime," he said.

"So, it's final that Pune will host the Asian Championships from July 3-7.

"We are starting the preparations.

"The AAA has got back to us, saying it has informed the member countries about the venue and to make their travel preparations."


Valson  claimed that the venue in Pune was the ideal choice as it did not require any refurbishment to hold the event.

"The Sports Complex has hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games and the infrastructure is in good shape," he said.

"AFI officials have made an inspection a few days back.

"There won't be any need to lay new tracks, they are in fine shape.

"Most of the equipment for the races and field events are available there and no need to take them there.

"The preparations will take 15 days at the most and we have now a month at our disposal."

Chennai had originally been named as the host of the Championships - which are also due to host the AAA Congress and Presidential election, only for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram to cancel the event at the end of February with anti-Sinhalese tension widespread at that time, then Ranchi and New Delhi showed initial readiness but refused the opportunity later on.


Sources associated with the search of host city said that current AAA President - who is seeking another term in office - and Pune Member of Parliament Suresh Kalmadi, who was jailed and later released in connection with the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games scandal, played a big role behind the scenes.

"AAA Congress is held at the venue of the Asian Athletics Championships and Pune becoming the host city is important for Kalmadi to get re-elected," a source claimed.

This will be the second time the Asian Athletics Championships will have been in India after New Delhi hosted the event in 1989.

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