India sends 88-member contingent for Asian Winter Games, Ice Hockey team cleared without financial support

India sends 88-member contingent for Asian Winter Games, Ice Hockey team cleared without financial support

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, on Friday, approved an 88-member contingent at for the Asian Winter Games, set to be played in Harbin, China next month.

“The Government has given clearance for participation of 88-member Indian contingent, which includes 59 athletes and 29 team officials,” said the ministry in a release on Friday.

“For the first time, full financial support is being extended under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme to athletes competing in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track).

Earlier this month, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had sent the names of 76 athletes for approval but the ministry had agreed to only 41, as the rest did not meet the qualification standards, of top-six in individual ranking and top-eight in team rankings, for clearance under ‘full cost to government’.

“This is the first occasion where the Government of India has formally extended financial support for the country’s participation at the Asian Winter Games,” the release added.

However, the 23-member men’s Ice Hockey team was cleared with ‘no cost to the government’ as the team finalised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was confirmed over the one shortlisted through Sports Authority of India’s trials.

“The Ministry received two separate list of players of lce Hockey discipline from different bodies, neither of which is recognized with this Ministry. To ensure the best team comprising most suitable and fit players represent the country in the Asian Winter Games in public interest, Sports Authority of India conducted selection trials and provided a list of 23 players to IOA,” the Ministry said in the release.

“However, no effort was made to update the Team pursuant to the trials and the final list sent by IOA contained the names of players selected by only one single faction. While the team finalized by OA may participate in the event, government funding will not be provided, as sports governing bodies do not have an automatic right to financial assistance under the ‘Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme’, which is given only in duly justified situations.”

The Winter Games in Harbin are set to be played between February 7 and 14. However, India’s Ice Hockey team is scheduled to play its preliminary group-stage matches on before the beginning, on February 3, 5 and 7.