Parliament Question: Indian Men's Football Team

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1158 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 Indian Men's Football Team 1158. SHRI K C VENUGOPAL: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that the Indian men's national football team had sought clearance from the Government to participate in the 2026 Asian Games scheduled to be held at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026; (b) if so, the reasons therefor and whether the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) made any representation to the Ministry seeking such clearance; (c) the complete details of the eligibility criteria and guidelines issued by the Government for granting clearance to teams and athletes for participation in the Asian Games 2026; and (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to develop Indian football to meet international standards so that the national team qualifies on merit for future multi-sport events? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA] (a) No, Sir. (b) In view of (a) above, does not arise. Page 1 of 2(c) The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports brought out on 24th September 2025 policy related to selection criteria for participation of Individuals and Teams in Asian Games 2026 and other multi-sports events with a view to lay down a transparent and equitable framework aiming to ensure that the athletes who have real chance of winning medal are only considered for participation in multi-disciplinary sports events. The details are available in public domain on the website of the Ministry (https://yas.gov.in/sites/default/files/VOLUME_NSF1_1.pdf) (d) Promotion and development of a specific sport discipline is the responsibility of the concerned National Sports Federation (NSF), which in the case of football is the All India Football Federation (AIFF). For promotion and development of football in the country, the Government is supplementing the efforts of AIFF through its various schemes. Training, preparations and competitive exposures of football players are taken care of under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs. Indian football players are being provided all requisite facilities for their preparations, including a wholesome nutritious diet, equipment, state- of-the-art infrastructure, lodging, travelling facilities, services of reputed Indian and Foreign Coaches/supporting staff, scientific & medical support, sports kit, etc., besides financial assistance for their training abroad and participation in international competitions in India and abroad. Football has been placed in the “Priority” category for the purpose of providing financial assistance by the Government. ***** Page 2 of 2