The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, stated that participation in major events like the Asian and Commonwealth Games is reserved for those who have demonstrated qualification and performance excellence. He highlighted that these competitions are not mere “exposure tours” but platforms for athletes to showcase national pride. Dr. Mandaviya stressed the importance of transparency in selecting the contingent, emphasizing that only top performers based on continental rankings would be considered.
In response to proposals to include the Indian football team in the Asian Games 2026 contingent, Dr. Mandaviya underscored the need for stringent scrutiny in the selection process. He made it clear that entries would not be accepted solely to fulfill numbers, reiterating that the focus is on athletes who can bring glory to the country. The Ministry indicated that the Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games is expected to be limited to 560 members, with final clearance resting with the ministry after a thorough vetting process.
Dr. Mandaviya assured that federations and individual athletes seeking exposure and training opportunities would receive support for events like LA 2028, provided they adhere to the selection criteria. He emphasized that participation in the Asian Games should not be viewed as a mere formality, as the ministry aims to ensure that only deserving candidates represent the country. The selection process involves strict guidelines, including videography in the presence of a government observer, to maintain transparency and integrity.
