The Sports Ministry has ruled out relaxing its Asian Games selection criteria despite pressure from athletes and their supporters, making it clear that those who do not meet the benchmarks announced last year will not be included in India’s contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
The ministry has approved a 492-member Indian contingent for the September 19 to October 4 Asian Games in Japan, with athletics accounting for the largest share with 73 athletes. A few more additions are possible, subject to approval from the Olympic Council of Asia, but officials said the selection criteria would not be compromised.
“A lot of pressure was there (on us). Some parents came and said that my child has not been selected. We told them if your child merits selection (fulfils the selection criteria), there is no way that he or she will not be selected,” a Sports Ministry source said.
Medal Chances Remain Key
Under the selection policy announced in September 2025, athletes must have a realistic chance of winning a medal at multi-sport events such as the Asian Games.
The ministry also set a continental ranking benchmark, stating that only athletes placed among the top six in Asia would be considered. Selection trials were required to be videographed and conducted under the supervision of independent observers.
“We have set the criteria that if an athlete is in the top six in Asia, we will select him or her, otherwise not. We have followed that,” the source said.
The ministry defended the approach as an attempt to send a smaller but more competitive contingent rather than treating the Asian Games as an exposure opportunity.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had also said recently that athletes sent to the Games should be capable of competing for medals.
Tennis Selections Trigger Controversy
The selection process has nevertheless triggered criticism, particularly in tennis after five players recommended by the All India Tennis Association were omitted from the final squad.
Sumit Nagal is the only singles player selected, while several recommended women’s players, including India’s top-ranked player Sahaja Yamalapalli, have been left out.
The decision has drawn strong criticism from the AITA as well as former players, including Rohan Bopanna.
The ministry’s position comes amid a history of disputes over selection for major multi-sport events. Athletes who miss out have previously challenged their non-selection through legal channels.
Equestrian Anush Agarwalla recently approached the Delhi High Court against his omission from the Asian Games contingent, but his appeal was ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Football Among Early Casualties
The strict criteria have also affected India’s team sports.
The Indian football team was among the earliest sides to be ruled out of the Asian Games because of its low position in the continental rankings.
The Sports Ministry said the selection policy had been announced a year in advance, giving athletes and federations sufficient time to meet the required benchmarks.
“The idea, from the very beginning, was to send a lean but effective contingent. And the criteria was announced a year ago, everyone had the time to figure it out and fit in,” the source said.
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