Asian Games Set to Implement Qualification Criteria Amid Concerns of Overcrowding

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) plans to introduce qualification criteria to manage the growing number of athletes at the Asian Games. There are ongoing discussions with sports federations to reduce team numbers. The Indian teams may face challenges due to their low rankings. Yoga is being considered as a new sport.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is addressing concerns about the increasing number of athletes in the Asian Games by introducing new qualification criteria. According to deputy director general Vinod Tiwari, the measure aims to make the event more manageable for host countries.

As the OCA General Assembly prepares to convene, Tiwari revealed that consultations with several sports federations, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), are underway to reduce the number of teams. Unlike the Paris Olympics, which saw 10,500 participants, the most recent Hangzhou Asian Games hosted over 15,000 athletes.

India's football teams, which were previously allowed to compete despite lower rankings, could be impacted by the stricter criteria. Additionally, yoga is being considered for inclusion in the Asian Games, pending approval at the upcoming OCA General Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)