The Indian football team is likely to miss out on participating in the upcoming Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China.
The Blue Tigers currently do not meet the Indian Union Sports Ministry's criteria of being ranked among the top 8 teams in the continent.
MORE: Latest cricket odds and betting
The All India Football Federation had initially planned that after managing the Indian senior side in the King's Cup in Thailand (September 7 to 10), head coach Igor Stimac would be in charge of the Indian U23 side at the Asian Games.
Why can't the Indian football team play in the Asian Games 2022?
As per the Union Sports Ministry's criteria for team sports, a team needs to be ranked among the top 8 countries in Asia.
In a letter sent to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all the National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Ministry wrote,
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.
What is India's FIFA rank?
India are currently ranked 100 in the world in the latest released FIFA rankings and 18th in Asia.
Can the Indian football team participate in the Asian Games 2022?
For now, Indian football team is barred from taking part in the Asian Games 2022 but AIFF has planned to appeal to the sports ministry to consider the situation.
Speaking to PTI, AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran said,
This is a decision taken by the government. So, we have to abide by it. However, we will make an appeal to the government to reconsider the decision as far as football is concerned.
The Indian team’s performance this year has been extremely encouraging. It will be a great boost for football, especially for the U-23 boys, if they get an opportunity to play in the Asian Games.
For similar reasons, the Indian football team could participate in the 2018 Asian Games as well. India won a gold medal at the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.
MORE: Asian Games: Gaikwad to lead Indian team
