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According to reports, the Indian football team may miss the Asian Games for the second time in a row. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had earlier planned to have Igor Stimac lead the Under-23 team in China. The competition will be held in Hangzhou, China after the King’s Cup in Thailand.
In a letter issued to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Ministry said, “For team events, only those sports which have achieved the eighth ranking among the participating countries will be included. ” Asia should be considered for participation in the Asian Games in the last one year.
India is not even close to making it to the top 8 in Asia. The Asian Football Confederation currently ranks it as the 18th best nation. The AIFF announced that it would ask the Sports Ministry to reconsider its choice. (‘The day I don’t feel like I…,’ India captain Sunil Chhetri opens up on retirement)
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AIFF general secretary Shaji Prabhakaran told PTI, “It is a decision taken by the government. So, we have to abide by it. However, as far as football is concerned, we will appeal to the government to reconsider the decision.”
“The performance of the Indian team this year has been very encouraging. If they get a chance to play in the Asian Games, it will be a huge boost for football, especially for the U-23 boys.” He added.
In 2018, the IOA refused to send the Indian football team to that year’s Asian Games on the condition of not being ranked among the top-8 in Asia. However, things are a bit different now with the IOA and NSF giving the AIFF a ray of hope that things might change.
“Where, in the opinion of experts in specific sporting disciplines and the Sports Authority of India, relaxation of the above criteria with suitable reasons is recommended for the participation of individuals and teams, the same shall be considered in the Ministry for appropriate decision.” The ministry’s letter said.
