India denied Asian Games berth by Indian Olympic Association
(Courtesy : Varun Kumar Mukhia/Khel Now)
The Association has decided to send teams ranked between 1-8 in their respective sports.
Despite explaining to the Indian Olympic Association that Football as a global sport needs to be looked at differently, and after having explained the tremendous success that Indian Football has achieved in the last three years which include a jump in FIFA Rankings from 173 to 97 (at present), qualification to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the successful hosting of FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 and the various grassroots and youth developmental programmes undertaken by the AIFF, the IOA chose not to clear Indian Football Teams for the forthcoming Asian Games.
In this regard Praful Patel, President, AIFF even made a call to Narinder Batra to explain the circumstances, and accordingly, letters were sent to Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, IOA and Lalit Bhanot, Chairman, Preparation Committee, Asian Games.
However, disregarding all facts, the IOA chose to stick to its original stance of sending teams ranked between 1-8 to take part, thus turning a blind eye to Indian Football in the Continental Games.
ALSO READ
Indian U-16s set to leave for China ahead of preparatory four-nation tournament
Outlining steps that India must take en route to North America 2026
It’s clear the IOA lacks the vision and competence to understand that Football is a global sport played by 212 countries and that the top five teams in Asia play in the FIFA World Cup where the level of competition is far superior to the Asian Games.
In fact, the premier football competition in Asia is the AFC Asian Cup where India has qualified after eight years.
The Indian football has seen a significant rise in recent years
IOA’s stance and myopic view come in sharp contrast to the support of both the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India, both of whom who have been hugely supportive of Indian Football and recognised AIFF’s efforts in the last three years.
It is indeed a sad state of affairs for sport in India that the IOA is unable to distinguish the specific needs of each sport in the country. The IOA was never even bothered to even once discuss with the AIFF the strategy and plans for developing football in India.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]The AIFF has officially expressed it's disappointment to IOA and has even offered to bear the expenses of the Football Team(s) to the Asian Games if permitted by the IOA.
Later, in a press conference held in Delhi, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, ""We told them we are ready to bear the expenses for the teams. They are yet to get back to us." Read more from him here.
Latest News
- ISL 2023-24: FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC Match Report & Highlights
- Mauricio Pochettino in danger to lose Chelsea job following embarrassing loss to Arsenal
- Didn't expect there will be five goals in this game, says Mumbai City FC boss Petr Kratky
- ISL 2023-24: Mumbai City stun FC Goa with late comeback
- 'Jayesh Rane - SAB PE BHARI' - Fans react to Mumbai City's win over FC Goa in ISL semis
Trending Articles
- Scouting Report: Who is East Bengal's bright talent Sayan Banerjee?
- Which clubs have won ISL Trophy in the past?
- Anju Turambekar appointed AFC Youth Panel Member to represent Singapore
- Hyderabad FC handed 'another' FIFA transfer ban
- Jahouh's domination and other talking points from Odisha FC's win over Mohun Bagan
Editor Picks
- All-Indian scorecard and other talking points from ISL semi-final between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC
- Which clubs have won ISL Trophy in the past?
- Anju Turambekar appointed AFC Youth Panel Member to represent Singapore
- Top five players with most away goals in UEFA Champions League knockout phase
- Hyderabad FC handed 'another' FIFA transfer ban