India denied Asian Games berth by Indian Olympic Association

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

A brief look at the Indian U-16s: Who are Colts set to represent the nation at the AFC U-16 Championship

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.