• By Ankit Bisht
  • Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:07 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Indian men's and women's football teams will participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2023 in China after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports amended the selection guidelines to allow participation in the continental tournament.

"Good news for Indian football lovers! Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s, are set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games," the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur wrote on the micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, has decided to relax the rules to facilitate the participation of both the teams, which were not qualifying as per the existing criterion. Keeping in mind their latest performances in the recent times, the Ministry decided to grant the relaxation."

"I am sure they will put their best foot forward in the Asian Games and make our country proud," it added.

Indian men's football team won the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship defeating Kuwait and Lebanon respectively last month. In the latest FIFA rankings, the Indian men's football team gained seven places to reach the 99th spot, the two-digit rankings for the first time since 2018.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had previously declined to give the Indian football teams the go-ahead to compete in the Asian Games on the grounds that they weren't among Asia's top-8 teams.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) then appealed to the Sports Ministry to permit the men's and women's teams to participate in the prominent event with the Indian football team's national coach Igor Stimac also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant permission.

According to the ministry's selection criteria for team events, only sides ranking in the top eight of the continental rankings of their respective sports will be allowed to travel for the Asiad.

The All India Football Federation expressed its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for their cooperation and understanding in allowing both the men’s and women’s teams to compete at the Asian Games.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said, “It’s indeed an important day for Indian Football and a testament to our resolution to develop the sport in India. We thank the Government of India and the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs for their support and for providing special compensation to Indian Football for the 19th Asian Games.

“Indian Football has been on an unprecedented rise recently, and I believe this impetus will further boost our players’ morale in all upcoming events. It’s my honour to represent the All India Football Federation and with moments like this, it further encourages our steadfast commitment to continue developing the ecosystem in the country.”

The Indian Men’s Team has had a rich history in the Asian Games over the years, clinching gold in the inaugural edition in 1951, followed by another top finish in 1962, and a bronze medal finish at the 1970 games. The 1951 edition of the Asian Games remains most special to Indian Football fans as it was hosted by India in New Delhi, where the Blue Tigers emerged champions of the beautiful game.

The Indian men's team is ranked 18th in Asia, while the women's side is ranked 11th. The Huangzhou Asian Games is scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8 in China.

(With agency inputs)