Team selection for the Asian Games is turning out to be a muddy affair. Some federations are not happy that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) did not seek more clarification. Then there is the sports ministry’s late decision to get into the act and complicate matters further. On the face of it, the argument that expanding the squad’s size will enhance chances of winning more medals is acceptable. But it doesn’t take into account logistical elements.
The ministry says athletes who did not get enough opportunities but are in the top four in Asia should be selected. The IOA is saying the top six in individual events and top eight in team events have been picked—which means those in the top four are already there.
The deadline for naming the probables is over. Even if the ministry and IOA clear those not given the go-ahead earlier, their entries won’t be accepted. Hectic parleys at the last minute to review the whole process all over again shows a lack of administrative maturity. It’s a manifestation of the game of one-upmanship going on between the ministry and IOA. Being the parent body of Olympic disciplines, the latter is responsible for fair selection. Picking squads for the Games starting in Jakarta on August 18 has been full of controversies, with allegations of favouritism flying thick and fast. Making a conscious effort of late to let people know that it’s active, the sports ministry couldn’t keep quiet. The custodian of sports in India, part of its responsibility is to ensure impartiality. So the effort it made was laudable.
But it’s too late. Instead of concentrating on preparation, the decision to reconsider those rejected earlier shifted the focus to more discussions. At a time when the federations and IOA were supposed to finalise details of those already selected, they were left with the task of finding out who else could be accommodated. It appears to be a comedy of errors. Unfortunately and despite promises, this has not changed in Indian sports. Instead, another conflict between the IOA and ministry is brewing.
