Indian football team may miss Asian Games for their failure to meet IOA norms
The Indian Football team may not participate in upcoming Asian Games as it does not meet Indian Olympic Association norms of sending the top-eight side to the event. Stephen Constantine has requested government for more games and believes players will benefit from Asian Games which is an U-23 event.
The Indian football team is on a high right now after their recent success in the of Intercontinental Cup defeating Kenya 2-0 in final. After captain Sunil Chettri urged Indian fans to back the national team, there was a rise in the attendance per games for the cup matches. However, the recent cup success and rise in football following may not be enough for the team as Indian Olympic Association said it will stick to its criteria for team events, thus the Indian football team’s participation in the Asian Games being under dark clouds.
The All India Football Federation, which is has received a positive response from the Sports Ministry, stated that it is very hopeful of being cleared for the multi-sport extravaganza. However, the IOA’s contention is that it can only send the top eight sides in team events as per the norm.
“I will not speak about individual sports but the criteria of top eight in team events and top six in individual events stand. We will stick to that,” IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta as said to PTI
Indian men’s team is currently ranked 97th in the world and 16th in Asia, but the football body wants the authorities to look beyond rankings under the present circumstances. AIFF general secretary Kushal Das although, is optimistic that Indian team can make it to the Asian Games.
“Our president Mr Praful Patel has spoken to Mr Narinder Batra (IOA president) and we are very hopeful of our team being sent to the Asian Games.
"And it’s not just about the men’s team. Football has to be seen in a different light and it can’t be compared to handball or any other sport. I have the highest regard for Mr Batra and Mr Rajeev Mehta. We are confident of going to the Asian Games,” Das said.
Prior to the Intercontinental Cup final in Mumbai, national football coach Stephen Constantine had appealed to the government to send a team for the mega sporting event.
“We need more games and if the government is listening, send us to the Asian Games. It’s an U-23 event and we have 11 players in this squad who are below 23. The benefits the players will gain from the Asian Games will be huge,” Constantine had said.
