The Indian men's and women's football teams are set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Union Sports Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur confirmed the news on Twitter that both the teams have been cleared to participate in the competition.
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What did Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur say?
On his Twitter, the honourable minister wrote,
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 Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, has decided to relax the rules to facilitate 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.
Good news for Indian football lovers!
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 26, 2023
Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s, are set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, has decided to relax the rules to facilitate participation of both the…
Why wasn't the Indian football teams allowed to participate in the Asian Games?
The union ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had earlier not allowed the Indian teams from participating in the Asian Games because as per the Union Sports Ministry's criteria for team sports, a team needs to be ranked among the top 8 countries in Asia. For similar reasons, the Indian football team could participate in the 2018 Asian Games as well.
But this time after much deliberation and taking into consideration the men's team's recent success in the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship, the ministry has decided to grant an exception.
What is Indian men's team's current FIFA and AFC rank?
The Indian men's team are currently ranked 99th in the world and 18th in Asia.
What is Indian women's team's current FIFA and AFC rank?
The women's team is ranked 60th in the world and 11th in Asia.
How has the Indian football team performed in recent times?
The Indian men's team won back-to-back international trophies last month winning the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar and the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru.
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