The Indian football team is facing the prospect of missing out on the upcoming Asian Games for the second consecutive time as it fails to meet the Sports Ministry's criteria of being ranked among the top eight sides in the continent.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had initially planned for national senior team head coach Igor Stimac to lead an Under-23 side to the Asian Games, which are scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China, following the Kings Cup in Thailand from September 7 to 10.
Since 2002, football in the Asian Games has been limited to U-23 teams, with the allowance of three players above that age bracket.
However, in a letter addressed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Ministry has stated 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".
Unfortunately, India currently falls far below the top eight rankings in Asia. As per the rankings of the Asian Football Confederation, India currently holds the 18th spot among countries in the continent. This ranking discrepancy puts the team's participation in the Asian Games in jeopardy.
The AIFF has expressed its intention to appeal to the sports ministry in hopes of reconsidering the decision and allowing the Indian football team to participate in the prestigious tournament. The federation believes that the team's participation would contribute to the growth and development of football in the country and provide valuable exposure to young players on the international stage.
While the final decision lies with the sports ministry, the AIFF remains hopeful that their appeal will be taken into consideration, giving the Indian football team a chance to compete and represent the nation in the Asian Games.
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(With PTI inputs)