The Indian Football Team are set to miss the Asian Games 2022. The Government of India decided that only teams ranked 8th and above in the continent on respective fields will be allowed to take part. However, in the latest development, it has been revealed that IOA has sent the names for the men’s and women’s football team.
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After winning the SAFF and the Intercontinental Cup, the Indian Football Team, ranking 17th in AFC was at an absolute high for the Asian Games. The women’s team, who are ranked even higher at 10th, were raring to go as well. However, the order from the government came as a blow, with fans urging IOA to take some steps, while AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran has also made an appeal.
According to the govt guidelines, “For team events, only those sports which have achieved a ranking up to 8th among participating countries of Asia in the last one year, should be considered for participation in the Asian Games.”
The most recent revelation states that India might have a chance at the football medal. The men’s and women’s football teams’ entries have also been sent by IOA to the organizers. However, because they don’t meet the Asiad selection requirements established by the sports ministry, their ability to compete in the Games will be contingent on approval from the government.
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The government has until July 26 to remove entries submitted to the organizers. Only if it believes the squads in specific sports categories lack medal potential or do not meet the selection standards. Entries cannot be withdrawn after July 26, and a final list will be created.
India failed to send a football contingent for the Asian Games 2018 as well. It came after AIFF volunteered to send the national team at its own expense. Narinder Dhruv Batra was the president of the IOA at the time. They had determined that the football teams were incapable of winning gold.
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This time, though, things are a little different. Kalyan Chaubey, a ruling BJP leader, is in charge of AIFF. He is also the IOA’s powerful joint secretary and acting CEO. He might be able to persuade the administration to make an exception and send football teams to the Asian Games.
The meeting on Thursday between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chaubey may have smoothed the path for the two teams to compete in the Asiad. The U-23 national team competes in men’s football at the Games, however, three players on the roster must be 23 or older. There is no age limit for women.
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