PT Usha's objection did not survive. The legendary athlete was not willing to give permission to the Indian football team to participate in the Asian Games. But despite this, the Sports Ministry gave approval.
Sports lovers were applying across the country. The campaign started on social media. National team coach Igor Stimach appealed for the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Finally, Indian team captain Sunil Chhetri's request was accepted. Responding to Sunil's plea, the Sports Ministry gave clearance to the men's and women's teams to participate in the Asian Games. This rule is relaxed for football teams, even if they are not among the top 8 teams in Asia in the rankings. The Indian Olympic Association's objection to this announcement by the Sports Ministry is no longer weighted. Football fans are happy that the football team has been cleared to participate in the Asian Games.
The sports minister tweeted, 'Our national men's and women's football teams are participating in the Asian Games. The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has decided to relax the rules for Indian men's and women's football teams. These 2 teams would not have been able to participate in the Asian Games as per the current rules. But we have changed the rules.'
India's football team could not participate in the 2018 Asian Games due to rules. This time also Sunil, Dalima Chhiber's participation in the Asian Games was uncertain. In a tweet, Steamach appealed to the Prime Minister and Sports Minister to allow the football team to participate in the Asian Games. Then Sunil said, "Playing in the Asian Games is important. The more tournaments we play, the better our performance will be. It was after Sunil's plea that the Sports Ministry allowed them to participate in the Asian Games.
The Indian men's football team has been showing remarkable performances recently. Sunil has won consecutive Intercontinental Cup, and SAF Championship on the country's soil. The FIFA ranking has also improved. India's men's team has improved by 1 place from 100 to 99.
Like the Olympics, Asian Games also have under-23 players in football teams. However, 3 senior footballers are kept in the team. According to the All India Football Federation, Sunil, Sandesh Jhingan, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will be included in the Asian Games squad. Junior footballers will be with them.
After burning a lot of wood, the Indian football team got clearance to participate in the Asian Games. Sunil's aim is to show good performance in Hangzhou this time. Along with the men, the women's team will also be recognized for showing good performances.
