Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Sports Ministry Stands Firm on Asian Games Selection Criteria
The sports ministry has already approved a 492-person team for the Asian Games.
Some athletes were not chosen and asked to be included.
Some parents also contacted officials about their children’s non-selection.
The ministry said it would follow the rules announced one year earlier.
Under those rules, athletes must be among the top six in Asia in their event.
Officials said the Games are not meant mainly for athletes to gain experience.
Rohan Bopanna had criticized a decision involving five tennis players.
The Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4.
The sports ministry said it would retain the selection criteria announced a year ago.
Officials said only athletes ranked among Asia’s top six in an event would be selected.
The ministry rejected the idea that the Asian Games should be used to gain experience.
Athletes who were not selected, along with some parents, pressed for their inclusion.
Former doubles tennis player Rohan Bopanna criticized a decision involving five players on the All India Tennis Association’s submission.
- Who
- The sports ministry, athletes seeking selection, some parents, Rohan Bopanna, and the All India Tennis Association.
- What
- The sports ministry reaffirmed that it will follow its Asian Games selection criteria.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday; the Asian Games are scheduled for September 19 to October 4.
- Where
- The Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya.
- Why
- The ministry said selection should be based on meeting the announced criteria, including being among Asia’s top six in an event.
Sports Ministry’s Position
Athletes’ and Critics’ Concerns
Selection standards
Sports Ministry’s Position
The ministry says the previously announced rules must be followed and that only athletes ranked among Asia’s top six in their events merit selection.
Athletes’ and Critics’ Concerns
Athletes who were left out have rallied for places in the squad, while some parents asked officials to reconsider their children’s non-selection.
Purpose of the Asian Games
Sports Ministry’s Position
Officials said the continental event is not intended for athletes to gain experience.
Athletes’ and Critics’ Concerns
The ministry source did not identify a specific alternative selection rationale offered by the athletes or parents, but their appeals sought inclusion despite the criteria.
Tennis nominations
Sports Ministry’s Position
The final selection did not include five players discussed in connection with the Top-8 requirement.
Athletes’ and Critics’ Concerns
Rohan Bopanna criticized the decision, noting that the five players had been included in the All India Tennis Association’s list sent to the government.
- Squad size
- 492 athletes and officials are included in the announced squad.
- Selection benchmark
- Only the top six in Asia in an event will be selected, according to the sports ministry.
- Criteria timing
- The selection criteria were announced one year ago.
- Ministry position
- Officials said they would not change the criteria despite pressure from athletes and parents.
- Event dates
- The Asian Games are scheduled for September 19 to October 4.
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya.
- Tennis dispute
- Rohan Bopanna criticized a decision involving five players who had appeared on the All India Tennis Association’s list sent to the government.