CHENNAI: The sports ministry on Wednesday cleared both India’s men’s and women’s football teams for the Asian Games. There were needless controversies running up to the decision of the sports ministry. The sports ministry through a tweet announced that keeping in mind its recent performances the ministry has relaxed norms and cleared the team.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted: “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 the participation of both teams, which were not qualifying as per the existing criterion. Keeping in mind their latest performances in 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.”
The IOA recently said that they would prefer sending teams that qualify and meet sports ministry criteria – top eight in Asia. The Indian men’s football team is ranked 18th. The sports ministry finally sanctioned almost all team sports except four which include water polo, handball men, basketball 5×5 men and softball.
The prospects of teams that looked bleak like volleyball have been cleared. According to a circular from the sports ministry, 15 teams have been sanctioned at a cost to the government.
