Asian Games: Football fans fluttering hopes dashed again by IOA
With ASIAD 2018 announcing fresh new draws for football competitions in Asian games and with Sports ministry’s recent statement of relaxing norms of certain sports, there were hopes fluttering that Indian football still had a chance only to be brutally squashed again
It’s disappointing when an opportunity comes your way and is missed due to conditions not in control of you, but its gets even more frustrating when the same opportunity knocks again and we still miss the bus for the same conditions and we can do nothing about it. Perhaps some actions could have been taken….perhaps.
There was renewed hope flickering around Indian Football fans after sports ministry in a recent statement suggested relaxation of certain criteria’s for participation of certain sports in Asian Games. With an emergency meet decided to discuss the issues of certain sports with Indian Olympic Association(IOA), there were still very little hope about Indian football’s chance after all the draws of group had already taken place back on July 5th.
However, it was the Asian Games committee’s decision to have fresh draws that renewed interest for Indian football fans. After having mistakenly left out UAE and Palestine in the previous draw due to technical error, the ASIAD 2018 decided to conduct fresh drawing of lots on 20th July (Friday) on the same day of IOA-Sports ministry meet, this time including two extra teams in UAE and Palestine, with India too having an opportunity to enter in their team. This date was then delayed to 25th of July giving India another 5 days to consider.
However the light at the end of tunnel just turned out to be illusion as once again IOA’s opinionated vision did not consider football worthy of an opportunity. The reason given was the same old one, that the teams ranked outside of top 8 are not going to make it, no matter what improvement they have done in last couple of years or to the fact that football is U23 event and there is no separate rankings for that age group.
Handball gets a reluctant node:
The Indian men’s Handball team too were earlier dropped from Asian games despite being invited and grouped in Asian Games by the organizers themselves. However the handball association took the matter to the court after which IOA reluctantly agreed to sending them as per the orders of Allahabad High Court. Football too could have taken the same route but All India Football federation had already stated against the court intervention citing sports should not be dragged into courtroom.
While the statement does look good and daring, the fact remains Indian football has lost an opportunity, twice offered in front of them
Also read our Feature Article of the week: The curious case of NorthEast United FC
Also Read: Transfer Rumours: Robinho to India! Is it a good idea??
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…