India's top footballers Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan are the notable absentees from the official list of athletes representing the country in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Given that the men's football event is a U23 event while three players aged 23 or above are allowed to participate, many expected these three players to make it to the team.
However, the initial men's football contingent of 22 players for the Asiad did not have their names.
Sources have now revealed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have personally appealed to the Asiad organizers to make an exception and grant accreditation for these players.
Talking to India Today, AIFF secretary Shaji Prabhakaran said, "We are in touch with the concerned authorities and the accreditation is in process soon will hear good news from them. I am hopeful that our players will get the accreditation soon."
Earlier, it was reported that the three senior players were uncertain about participating in the Asiad, but they eventually decided to join the crew.
The participation of both the men's and women's football teams in the Asiad was uncertain due to the sports ministry's policy of only sending teams ranked within the top-8 in the continent. However, the ministry later gave the green light for both teams to participate, with all expenses being covered by the government.
Additionally, the Indian men's team has been placed in Group A for the AFC second round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. They will compete alongside Qatar, Kuwait, and the winner of the match between Afghanistan and Mongolia. The draw ceremony occurred at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
India men's football team for Asian Games:
Anwar Ali, Gurmeet, Lalengmawia, Narender, Rahim Ali, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung, Rohit Danu, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Aniket Anil Jadhav, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Akash Mishra, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Roshan Singh Naorem, Siva Sakthi Narayanan, Asish Rai, Vikram Pratap Singh, Deepak Tangri, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
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