‘Good news for Indian football lovers’: Govt relaxes rules, allows both men’s & women’s teams to compete in Asian Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had earlier refused to clear the Indian football teams for the Asian Games on the ground that they were not ranked in the top-8 in Asia.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) then made an appeal to the Sports Ministry to allow the men’s and women’s teams to take part in the prestigious event with India’s men’s football team coach, Igor Stimac, also seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announced the decision on Wednesday and added that the relaxations in criteria are given considering the recent performance of the teams. According to the existing rules set by the Ministry, only the top eight teams in Asia are allowed to send their contingent to the tournament.

“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,” Thakur posted on Twitter. “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,” he said. “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,” he added.