Desperate to get a chance in the Asian Games, the Indian football team, head coach Igor Stimac appealed to the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister.

Last week, the Indian sports ministry denied the Indian football team the opportunity to participate in the Asian Games for not meeting the ministry’s criteria of being ranked among the top-8 teams in the continent. In response, Indian football coach, Igor Stimac expressed his sentiments and wrote a heartfelt note appealing to Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting them to allow the team to participate in the Asian Games.

A humble appeal and sincere request to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @Narendra Modi Mr. and Hon. sports minister @ianuragthakurPlease allow our football team to participate in the Asian Games
We will fight for the pride and flag of our nation! ,
Jai Hind!#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/wxGMY4o5TN— Igor Stimac (@stimac_igor) 17 July 2023

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Stimac tweeted, “A humble appeal and sincere request to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble Sports Minister @ianuragthakur, please allow our football team to participate in the Asian Games. We stand for our country’s pride and flag.” Will fight for it! Jai Hind! The tweet also included a note from Stimac.

In a letter addressed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Ministry said, “For team events, only those sports which have achieved the eighth ranking among the participating countries in Asia will be included.” ” The last one year should be considered for participation in the Asian Games.”

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has expressed its intention to appeal to the Sports Ministry and urged them to reconsider the decision. AIFF general secretary Shaji Prabhakaran said, “It is a decision taken by the government. So, we have to abide by it. However, we will appeal to the government to reconsider the decision regarding football.”

“The performance of the Indian team this year has been extremely encouraging. If they are given a chance to play in the Asian Games, it will be a significant boost for football, especially for the U-23 boys.” Earlier, the IOA had denied clearance to the Indian football team for the 2018 Asian Games on the grounds of not being ranked in the top-8 in Asia. However, there is a provision in the Sports Ministry’s instructions to the IOA and NSFs that offers a ray of hope for the Kalyan Choubey-led AIFF.

“Where, in the opinion of experts in specific sporting disciplines and the Sports Authority of India, relaxation of the above criteria with suitable reasons is recommended for the participation of individuals and teams, the same shall be considered in the Ministry for appropriate decision.” The Ministry’s letter stated.The Indian football team has recently won the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Cup championships showing their impressive performance.