New Delhi: India's involvement in the upcoming Asian Winter Games, set to take place in Harbin, China, starting February 7, is currently uncertain. This uncertainty arises from the recent decision by the Olympic Council of Asia, which denied accreditation requests for a new group of athletes in ice hockey and snowboarding.

On Sunday, the sports ministry approved the participation of a 23-member ice hockey team based on trials conducted in Leh, which included modifications to the initial team roster submitted by India. It has been reported that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) contacted the OCA to seek new accreditation, but this request was declined, according to a Winter Games official who wished to remain anonymous.

As the delegation registration meeting for the Games is scheduled for Monday, the IOA is awaiting final approval of the contingent from the Sports Ministry.

PT Usha, the president of the IOA, has communicated to the sports ministry that due to delays in financial approval and the efforts to conduct new selection trials by government officials, the IOA is considering withdrawing the Indian contingent from the Asian Winter Games, as stated by another Winter Games official.

On December 7, the IOA proposed a contingent of 76 athletes across disciplines such as ice skating, skiing (both alpine and cross country), and ice hockey to the OCA, with a request for sanction submitted to the sports ministry on December 18.

On January 3, the ministry issued a response indicating that the Sports Authority of India had evaluated the proposal and concluded that "many of the names suggested by the IOA lack international exposure or do not have international rankings or performances." The ministry further clarified that "participation in multi-sport events is not solely aimed at providing international exposure or mere participation." A copy of this communication is available with HT.

The ministry stated that only the top three athletes or teams with prior international experience should represent the nation, thereby approving a quota of 35 athletes at government expense. Initially, the men's ice hockey team, consisting of 23 members, was not approved; however, the ministry later requested new trials in Leh on Sunday, noting that it had received "separate lists of players from two different ice hockey organizations, neither of which is a recognized National Sport Federation." Similarly, new selection trials were requested for skiing and snowboarding, which are currently managed by the IOA's ad hoc committee.

Usha wrote to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday in support of the team selected by the IOA, asserting that the ice hockey team was chosen by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI), which is an "affiliated unit of the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Indian Olympic Association, and the selection process adhered to the established guidelines."

"IOA submitted the contingent list to the sports ministry after following the appropriate procedures. The ministry is overstepping its authority by involving itself in the selection of athletes," remarked another official, referencing a sports ministry circular from 2021.

The circular dated June 30, 2021, states, "In cases where the recognition of the relevant National Sports Federation is revoked, the annual recognition is not renewed, or the National Sports Federation is under suspension, the IOA may assume responsibility for the selection of athletes, the organization of coaching camps for international competitions, and the submission of entries for Indian teams."

Read  Also: Gambhir Warns Nitish Kumar Reddy About Workload After Injury Sidelines Young Star

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"