The World Athletics' decision to postpone the Olympic qualification round to the end of November is a major setback for Indian track and field athletes who were hoping to qualify through domestic competitions to be held later this year. However, the event of these tournaments is not yet clear as there is a lockdown in the country due to coronavirus.

The World Athletics suspended the qualification time for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 from 6 April to 30 November 2020 on Tuesday after consulting the Athletes Commission, heads of continental federations, etc. During this time, the results achieved in the competitions will not be considered in terms of Tokyo Games qualification mark or world ranking. India's national deputy head coach Radhakrishnan Nair said the decision would disappoint many Indian athletes.

Nair told NIS Patiala that the World Athletics' decision is a big blow to Tejinder Pal Singh Toor (shot put), Anu Rani (javelin throw), M Srishankar (long jump) and Duti Chand. Star runner Hima Das has also not yet qualified for the Tokyo Games.

Olympic medal contenders Neeraj Chopra, javelin thrower Shivpal Singh, four times 400m mixed relay team, KT Irfan (men's 20km walk), Bhavna Jat (women's 20km walk) and Avinash Sabale (3000m Steeplechase) has already qualified for the Olympics. The World body said that players who have achieved Olympic norms after the commencement of the qualification round in 2019 will still be considered as qualified.