The IAAF High Performance Training Centres (HPTC) provides a centre of excellence for the training and development of international class athletes and coaches. The Centers are managed and supervised under IAAF control. The IAAF opened the first HPTC in 1997. Since then, the IAAF has opened HPTC`s in several Areas around the world: notably in Africa, Asia, South America, NACAC (North America, Central America and Caribbean) and Oceania. Many athletes have benefited from time spent at these HPTC`s and have improved their performances at world level as a result. Indeed, a number of HPTC-trained athletes have gone on to become medal winners at international competitions. This success has led to many IAAF Member Federations entrusting the advancement of their elite athletes to these training centers.

The IAAF system for the Accreditation of Training Centres (ATC) has been developed in response to the growing demand for information about appropriate training centres. The aim of the System is to assist the National Federations, Athletes and Coaches to make the right decisions regarding the suitability of a centre to meet their specific needs and requirements. Only training centres that meet and accept the standardized criteria proposed by the IAAF, which include high-quality facilities, support services and appropriate coaching, receive accreditation. The classification of the centres is based upon technical criteria (including track & field facilities, accommodation, event specialty, coaches, etc). However, this list of Accredited Training Centres is not exhaustive. The IAAF is currently establishing a worldwide ATC network.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has around 23 training centers, both residential and non-residential, spread all over the country. SAI, by operating various schemes at sub-junior, junior and senior level, endeavors to widen sports and develop excellence by upgrading the skills of Indian sports persons. This effort involves widespread talent scouting and training of selected individuals by providing all vital inputs i.e. coaching, infrastructure, equipment support, sports kit, competitive exposure etc.

The National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) Scheme caters to school going children the age group of 8-14 years. Selection to the scheme is done through a scientifically designed battery of tests after which the selected individual is put in one of the SAI adopted schools. Schools are adopted on the basis of sports and residential infrastructure available, as well as the school`s reputation in sports performance. The selection criterion was recently revised to directly induct the first three position holders at recognized sub-junior and junior national championships. Currently 2130 sports persons are being trained at 83 schools and 16 Akharas.

The Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC) Scheme is run by SAI in association with Army authorities, it covers boys in the age-group of 8-14 years, selected from the Regimental Areas and Army Lines on the basis of battery of tests. Selected individuals are put in ABSC`s run at regimental centres of the Army where they are provided facilities by the Army authorities while SAI provides sports equipment, kit, stipend and coaches. Currently, 702 sportspersons are being trained at 8 ABSC`s.

The Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme is designed for sports persons in the age group of 14-21 years. Talent for the Special Area Games is scouted from rural, tribal, coastal and other areas, which are inaccessible but have certain genetic qualities, which give them an added advantage in a particular sport. Selected sports persons are given in-house training at various SAG Centres where they are provided boarding and lodging along with other facilities. Presently, 1378 sports persons are being trained at 16 SAG Centres and 2 associate Centres in the country.

The SAI Training Centres (STC) Scheme forms the backbone of SAI`s objective of spotting and nurturing of talented sports persons. Under this scheme sports persons in the age group of 14-21 years are selected and inducted in various STC`s where they are given in house training. Boarding and lodging is also provided along with other facilities. Presently, 5465 sports persons are being trained at 58 SAI Training Centres.

The AAFI: Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI) was formed in 1946 at the initiative of Maharaja Yadvindra Singh, the then President of Indian Olympic Association with Prof. G.D. Sondhi as its first President.The AAFI got affiliated to IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) in the year 1946). But it followed the IOA for holding the National Athletic Championship once in two years. It was in 1949 that AAFI took the decision of holding the National Athletic Championship every year. The AAFI for the first time selected 8 athletes (6 Men 2 Women), who participated in 1948 Olympic games at London. Indian Women competed in the Olympic games for the first time in 1948.

Coaching of athletes, training of Coaches, preparing a set of qualified Officials, bringing in foreign Coaches for training of Indian Coaches and Athletes, arranging the visit of Olympic Champions to India for guiding the Athlete and popularization of athletics. Organization of Coaching Camps for Athletes in preparation for Asian Games and Olympic games, holding Clinics and examination for AAFI Officials, were all the pioneering efforts of the Federation. The introduction of age Group Competitions, the addition of Open National Championship and Zonal and Inter Zonal Championships was the contribution of this federation.