NEW DELHI: The Indian men’s and women’s football teams are all set to return to the Asian Games for the first time in nine years, after the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs cleared the country’s participation on Wednesday.
The Asian Games will take place in Hangzhou, China.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said, “It’s indeed an important day for Indian football and a testament to our resolution to develop the sport in India. We thank the government of India and the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs for their support and for providing special compensation to Indian football for the 19th Asian Games.
“Indian Football has been on an unprecedented rise recently, and I believe this impetus will further boost our players’ morale in all upcoming events. It’s my honour to represent the All India Football Federation and with moments like this, it further encourages our steadfast commitment to continue developingf the ecosystem in the country.”
AIFF secretary general Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran said: “This decision of the MYAS has further encouraged all our stakeholders, and with the game time at Asian Games, our players will gain tremendous exposure playing against some of the giants in Asian football. We will continue to work hard with a focus to deliver success on and off the pitch and reach our goals as per Strategic Roadmap Vision 2047.”
Men’s, women’s draw
The draw for the India Men’s and Women’s team for the 19th Asian Games were conducted in Hangzhou, China on Thursday. The tournament will be held from September 18 through to October 7.
The India Men’s team are placed alongside hosts China PR, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Group A.
There are 23 teams that have been divided into six groups, where Group A, B, C, E and F has four teams each while Group D has three teams.
The competition shall consist of two stages as Group Stage and Knockout Stage. Group Stage will be played in a single round robin league system, whereas Knock-out Stage will consist of the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Bronze medal match and Gold medal match in which all in single round knockout system. Top two teams of each group and four best third placing teams among all groups in the Group Stage, with a total of 16 teams will advance to the Knock-Out Stage.
In the India women’s team draw, the Blue Tigresses are drawn with Chinese Taipei and Thailand in Group B.
Seventeen teams have been divided into five groups where Group A, B and C has three teams each while Group D and E has four teams each.
The Women’s competition shall also consist of two stages; Group Stage in a single round robin league system and Knock-out Stage will consist of the Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Bronze medal match and Gold medal match, all in single round knockout system. The top team from each group and three best second placed teams among all the groups, with a total of eight teams will advance to the knock-out stage.
The India women’s team placed 60 in the latest FIFA Ranking will take part in the Asian Games for the first time after 2014.
The Indian Men’s Team have had a rich history in the Asian Games over the years, clinching Gold in the inaugural edition in 1951, followed by another top finish in 1962, and a bronze medal finish at the 1970 games. The 1951 edition of the Asian Games remains most special to Indian Football fans as it was hosted by India in New Delhi, where the Blue Tigers emerged champions of the beautiful game.
