Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Asian Games Eligibility
The Sports Ministry is making it harder for Indian athletes to compete in the 2026 Asian Games and other big events.
The goal is to send only athletes who have a good chance of winning medals.
For some sports, athletes need to have done very well in past competitions to qualify.
Teams in sports like hockey must be ranked in the top 8 in Asia to participate.
There is a chance for exceptions, but the Ministry wants to make sure that the athletes are the best and will have a high probability of winning medals for the country.
Sports Ministry set strict selection criteria for multi-sport events like the Asian Games.
Guidelines apply to various events including Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Athletes in measurable sports must meet benchmarks from past competitions.
Non-measurable sports athletes need to rank well in Asian Championships or rankings.
Team sports must be in the top 8 in Asian Championships or rankings.
- Who
- Sports Ministry
- What
- Released stringent selection criteria for multi-sport events.
- When
- Guidelines released recently.
- Where
- For events like Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
- Why
- To prioritize medal potential and excellence.
- Event
- 2026 Asian Games
- Selection Criteria
- Top performance from previous Asian Games or Senior Asian Championships
- Applicable Events
- Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and more
- Measurable Sports Criteria
- Athletes must meet or exceed 6th place in prior Asian Games or equivalent
- Non-Measurable Sports Criteria
- Top six finish in Senior Asian Championships or rankings
- Team Sports Criteria
- Top 8 finish in Senior Asian Championships or rankings
- Exceptions
- Relaxation clause based on expert opinion.
