Football will proudly represent India at the 2023 Asian Games, as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given approval for both the men’s and women’s teams to participate in this prestigious event. This decision comes after a recent announcement that the two teams might not be able to join due to the existing criteria set by the sports ministry.

However, a strong mass appeal ensued, with influential figures from the Indian football community, including Sunil Chhetri and Ashalata Devi, urging the authorities to allow their participation.

 

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A post shared by Kalyan Chaubey (@kalyanchaubey)

Finally, on Wednesday, the Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur made the long-awaited announcement, confirming the inclusion of both the men’s and women’s teams, known as the Blue Tigers and Blue Tigress, respectively. Initially, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) hesitated to send either team, as the team’s rankings in Asia were not among the top, and countries like Japan and South Korea were frequent contenders in the World Cup.

Nevertheless, the government’s criteria were eventually relaxed due to overwhelming support from all corners, including national team head coach Igor Stimac, who personally requested the government to send the squad for the tournament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also appealed to intervene through a detailed social media post.

“With your support & enthusiasm, Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs & the central leadership Govt of India today confirmed @indianfootball participation at #AsianGames We thank our Hon Prime Minister Sh @narendramodi i ji, Sh @official.anuragthakur ji, Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs for your support & encouragement for #indianfootball.” – Kalyan chaibey wrote

The fans played a significant role as well, using various social media platforms to trend hashtags in support of the cause. It’s worth noting that football at the Asian Games follows an Under 23 format, with only three members from the senior side permitted in a team. The selection of these three players for the quadrennial event is an intriguing aspect, especially considering the busy schedule for both the senior men’s and women’s teams during that period.

The men’s team is scheduled to participate in the King’s Cup in Thailand from September 7 to 10, while the women’s team has crucial Round 2 AFC Olympic Qualifiers fixtures right after the tournament. These Olympic Qualifiers will take place between October 26 and November 1. As for the Asian Games 2023, it will be held from September 23 to October 8, with Igor Stimac leading the young U-23 men’s side in Hangzghou, as previously announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The men’s team secured victories in the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championships, propelling them to enter the top-100 of the men’s rankings, currently placed at 99. The women’s team also impressed with a 5-0 win followed by a 4-0 victory against Kyrgyz Republic in the first round Group G match, securing a spot in the second round of Olympic qualifiers.