Indian track and field athletes and national federation officials on Friday reacted with a sense of relief on the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games, saying now they will not need to “peak” their performance late in the season. This season had three big events in World Championships (July 15-24) in Eugene, USA, Birmingham Commonwealth Games (July 28 to August 8) and Asian Games for which the athletes need to “peak” every time.

The postponement of the Asian Games has reduced their burden. “It’s good. How many times an athlete can peak in a year? There is CWG, World Championships and then Asian Games and the athletes need to produce peak performances. It’s difficult for them. A very few older athletes may be affected by the Asian Games postponement, otherwise it is good for us,” Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla said.