Indian men’s and women’s football teams got a green signal from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2023. Earlier it was declared that the teams won’t participate in the forthcoming mega-continental games, but the decision was reversed soon. On July 27, the draws for the football teams were revealed.
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According to the draws, the men’s football team has been grouped with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar for the upcoming tournament. On the other hand, the women's football team has been grouped with Chinese Taipei and Thailand. In the prestigious multi-sport event, 32 teams will compete in the men’s football event, whereas 16 nations will fight for the gold medal in the women’s category.
Speaking of the men’s football team, Indians will have a tough competition, with names like China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and defending champions South Korea participating. Each team will comprise under-23 players, with an exemption of three overage players.
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On the other hand, in women’s football, big footballing names such as China, Bangladesh, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam will make India’s medal hunt in the tournament difficult. It was in 1990 when women’s football made its debut in the Asian Games. Some of the most fierce names on the list will be the 2018 gold medalists in Japan.
