Explained: Why Indian football team won’t be able to take part in 2026 Asian Games

The Indian men's team is ranked 24th in Asia and 134th overall (AIFF Photo)

The Indian men's football team will once again be at the mercy of the government if it wants to compete at the Asian Games next year after missing out on the 2018 edition and receiving a last-minute reprieve in 2023.

The Sports Ministry released comprehensive rules on Wednesday on teams' and individuals' eligibility for the Aichi-Nagoya Asiad, which takes place from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

The football team, currently rated 24th in Asia, does not match the stringent requirements, highlighting the fact that only teams and athletes with the ability to win medals will be given the opportunity to represent the nation at the continental event.

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A top-eight result at the Asian Championship or a top-eight rating on the continent will be the standard for team sports like football and hockey as well as team events like relay, doubles, and mixed doubles, according to the sports ministry's circular, which was made public on Wednesday.

What are the guidelines?

Point 3 (a) of the guidelines states: “Where International Rankings are promulgated regularly or Senior Asian Championships held within 12 months preceding the upcoming Asian Games: The NSF will be eligible to nominate a team if either the team achieved a top 8 finish in the last Senior Asian Championships held within 12 months, or the team is ranked within the top 8 among Asian countries in international rankings as of 10 days before submission deadline of the final list by name.”

It adds: “Where neither international Rankings are promulgated regularly nor Senior Asian Championships conducted within 12 months preceding the upcoming Asian Games, but an Equivalent International Competition was held: The team must have secured a top 8 finish among Asian countries in the equivalent international competition.”

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What is the ranking of Indian football teams?

The Indian men's team is ranked 24th in Asia and 134th overall. They were eliminated in the group stage of the Asian Cup. Even though the women rank 12th on the continental scale, they still fall short of the ministry's standards. Only a great performance at the Asian Cup, which will take place in Australia from March 1 to 21, will allow them to move up the ladder or fulfill the other requirements.

Why Indian men’s team could not take part in 2018 Asian Games?

On the basis that the men's squad was not among Asia's top eight, the IOA had denied them entry to the 2018 Asian Games. The football squad was previously denied permission to compete at the 2023 Hangzhou Games as well, but they were permitted to do so after the government loosened the regulations last-minute to make room for them.

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How can the guidelines inspire for excellence?

Rule 4.2 in the ministry guidelines stated that if ‘the aim is just for participation and not aiming for excellence (medal winning), names of such sportspersons and teams will not be approved after giving proper justification.’

Isn’t there still an outside chance for Asian Games participation?

The football team might have some hope thanks to Rule 5 that notes: “If in the opinion of the experts of specific sports disciplines, and SAI, participation of individuals and teams in relaxation of the above criteria is recommended with justifiable reasons, the same will be considered in the Ministry for appropriate decision.”