As it does not meet the Sports Ministry’s Criteria
This will be the second time in a row that the Indian team will not be participating in the Asian games, as it ranks 18th under the Asian Football Confederation and it does not meet the Sports Ministry’s criteria of being ranked in the top 8 sides of the continent although the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will convince the Sports Ministry to reconsider their decision.
The Asian Games has been a U-23 since 2002, with three players above the age allowed to play in the team.
In a letter sent to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all the National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Ministry has said that “for team events, only those sports which have achieved a ranking up to eighth among participating countries of Asia in the last one year should be considered for participation in Asian Games”.
AIFF Secretary Shaji Prabhakaran PTI, “This is a decision taken by the government. So, we have to abide by it. However, we will make an appeal to the government to reconsider the decision as far as football is concerned. The Indian team’s performance this year has been extremely encouraging. It will be a great boost for football, especially for the U-23 boys, if they get an opportunity to play in the Asian Games.”
In 2018, the IOA did not clear the Indian football team for the Asian games on the situation that it was not ranked in the Top 8 under the Asian continent.
“Where, in the opinion of the experts of specific sports disciplines, and that of Sports Authority of India, participation of individuals and teams in relaxation of the above criteria is recommended with justifiable reasons, the same will be considered in the Ministry for appropriate decision.”
– The Ministry’s Letter
There can be a provision in the Sports Ministry’s instructions sent to the IOA and NSFs, which could give hope to the AIFF headed by Kalyan Chaubey.
“The AIFF remains hopeful that it can convince the government about clearing Indian Football team’s participation at the Asian Games. Fingers crossed.”
– Marcus Mergulhai, TOI Editor, via Twitter
AIFF had earlier planned that the national senior team head coach Igor Stimac would take an Under-23 side to the September 23 to October 8 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China after the Kings Cup in Thailand (September 7-10).
These type of decisions will only bring Indian football back to where it was !
This is to be resolved with immediate action , and thank you Nigel for enlightening us with this neglected issue
Thank you for this useful information 🙌
It’s disheartening to learn that the Indian football team will not participate in the Asian Games due to the government’s criteria. However, there’s hope that the AIFF’s efforts will convince the government to reconsider its decision. It’s commendable that the AIFF is giving the U-23 boys an opportunity to showcase their talent at an international level. We remain optimistic that the government will support the team’s participation and help elevate Indian football on the global stage.
Thank you for making me aware of such an important issue.
We shouldn’t loose hope we should believe in our president , Chaubey sir will try his best to immediately get the clearance.
Thanks for sharing this information