New Delhi: Excitement is building up for the Asian Games in Hangzhou as the groups for the men’s and women’s football teams were announced on Thursday. The Indian men’s team has been placed in Group A alongside China PR, Bangladesh, and Mayanmar, while the women’s team has been placed in Group B alongside Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the official announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, revealing the draw results for the 19th Asian Games for both the men’s and women’s teams. However, there were doubts regarding the participation of both football teams as they failed to meet the qualification criteria set by the sports ministry.
As per the sports ministry’s guidelines, only those sports teams that achieved a ranking up to 8th among participating Asian countries in the last year were eligible for participation in the Asian Games. Despite not meeting this criterion, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Government of India decided to relax the rules to allow both teams to participate in the prestigious event.
The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, took to X to announce the participation of both teams and share the good news with Indian football lovers. He expressed his confidence that both the men’s and women’s teams will put their best foot forward and make the country proud in the upcoming Asian Games.
“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 participation of both the teams, which were not qualifying as per the existing criterion. Keeping in mind their latest performances in the 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,” Anruag Thakur tweeted
The decision to grant relaxation in the qualification criteria comes after considering the latest performances of the teams in recent times. This decision brings joy to Indian football enthusiasts and gives the players an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at the Asian Games.
The Asian Games 2023 are scheduled to commence on September 23 and conclude on September 8. With the confirmation of the Indian men’s and women’s football teams’ participation, fans are eagerly awaiting their matches and cheering for their national teams as they compete against formidable opponents from across Asia.
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