Flag football is an Olympic sport
In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved flag football for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It's the first time any form of American football has been part of the Olympic programme. Both a men's and awomen's tournament are planned, in the international 5v5 format governed by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
Teams qualify through IFAF and IOC processes, which are confirmed and published by those bodies. For the latest official qualification details, follow IFAF and the American Football Federation of India (AFFI).
Why this matters for India
Olympic status changes how a sport is funded, scheduled, and taken seriously by schools, universities, and sports authorities. Flag football is cheap to play and fast to learn, and men and women compete in it equally. That gives India a realistic opportunity to build competitive national teams. The national federation is AFFI, which is recognised by IFAF, and state associations are where players are found and developed.
The pathway from Uttar Pradesh
- Register as a player with UPAFA. Your registration is placed with your district association.
- Play at club and district level, in training, leagues, and district trials.
- Represent Uttar Pradesh at state level and in inter-state competitions.
- National camps and selection run by AFFI, using players put forward by state associations.
Officials follow a parallel pathway: UPAFA referee and coach certification runs from Level 1 to Level 3, and certificates are publicly verifiable.
What UPAFA is doing
UPAFA governs flag football and American football across Uttar Pradesh. It runs player registration, district affiliation, and official certification, and publishes trials and events on the calendar. If you're a school, college, or club that wants to start a flag football programme, contact your district or write to UPAFA.
