Indian Football Team to Miss Asian Games 2022: Sports Ministry Rejects Participation in China
The Indian football team is set to miss the Asian Games for the second consecutive time as the Sports Ministry has decided not to send them to China. The Sports Ministry’s decision is based on its criteria, which requires teams to be ranked among the top 8 in Asia. Unfortunately, the Indian football team does not meet this criterion.
Initially, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had planned for the national senior team head coach Igor Stimac to take an Under-23 squad to the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. However, the Sports Ministry’s decision has put an end to this plan.
Since 2002, football in the Asian Games has been an Under-23 affair, with each team allowed to include three players above that age bracket.
In a letter addressed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Ministry stated that only team sports ranked up to eighth among participating countries in Asia over the past year should be considered for participation in the Asian Games.
Currently, India is ranked 18th in the Asian Football Confederation rankings, far from being in the top 8. This ranking has led to the Sports Ministry’s decision to exclude the Indian football team from the Asian Games.
Despite this setback, the AIFF intends to appeal to the sports ministry to reconsider its decision. AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran expressed disappointment but remains hopeful, saying, 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.
Prabhakaran also highlighted the team’s impressive performance this year, stating that participation in the Asian Games would provide a significant boost for football, particularly for the Under-23 players.
The IOA had previously declined to clear the Indian football team for the 2018 Asian Games on similar grounds, citing the team’s lack of a top-8 ranking in Asia.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for the AIFF, as the Sports Ministry’s instructions indicate that there could be room for exceptions based on specific recommendations from sports experts and the Sports Authority of India. If there are justifiable reasons, the Ministry may consider allowing participation despite not meeting the ranking criteria.
It remains to be seen whether the appeal from the AIFF will succeed in altering the Sports Ministry’s decision. In the meantime, the Indian football team must focus on other competitions and continue striving to improve its ranking in the hope of securing future participation in prestigious events like the Asian Games.
The exclusion of the Indian football team from the Asian Games highlights the need for continued efforts to elevate the sport in the country. Greater investment in grassroots development, infrastructure, and training facilities could help raise the team’s performance and enhance its chances of participating in major tournaments in the future.
