September 24, 2025
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has released the selection criteria for participation of individuals and teams in Asian Games 2026 and other multi-sports events. The framework aims to ensure only athletes with a genuine chance of winning medals are considered for participation in multi-disciplinary sports events. It covers events such as Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Indoor Games, Asian Beach Games, Youth Olympics, Asian Youth Games, and Commonwealth Youth Games, except the Olympics where international federations set qualification standards.
Measurable Individual Sports and Events
Athletes in measurable events will be eligible if they match or surpass the 6th-place performance from the last Asian Games in competitions recognized by the relevant international sports federation, held within 12 months preceding the upcoming Asian Games. If the sport was not contested at the last Asian Games, benchmarks from Senior Asian Championships conducted within 12 months will be considered.
Non-Measurable Individual Sports and Events
For non-measurable events, athletes with a 6th or better finish at the last Senior Asian Championships within 12 months or ranked among the top 6 Asian nations internationally will be considered. If no such championships were held or rankings are not regularly published, athletes must have finished in the top 6 among Asian nations in equivalent international competitions.
Team Sports and Events
Teams achieving a top 8 finish in the last Senior Asian Championships held within 12 months or ranked in the top 8 among Asian nations in international rankings are eligible. If rankings or championships are unavailable, the team must have a top 8 finish in equivalent international competitions.
Relaxation and Approval
The Ministry may authorize exceptions to the criteria based on expert opinion or recommendations from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The Ministry may also reject recommendations by National Sports Federations if the objective is merely participation rather than excellence, especially if competition standards are low or key nations are absent.
Final Contingent
Only sportspersons, coaches, and support staff cleared at the cost of the government will be included in the Indian contingent. No additional personnel will be allowed even if funded privately.