India’s national football team has had a memorable year, crowned by a successful campaign in the SAFF Cup 2023. Yet, the sport finds itself at the heart of an intense debate, pitting club interests against country priorities. A rapidly growing dispute between the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over player availability has cast a shadow on the selection process for the forthcoming Asian Games squad.
Postponement of the 19th Asian Games
The 19th Asian Games, originally set for 2022, were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They are now scheduled from 23rd September to 8th October 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The competition will feature 40 sports and 61 disciplines across 54 venues spread over Hangzhou and five co-host cities. The Games’ mascots, named Chenchen, Congcong, and Lianlaian, are a group of robots, while the torch, named “Eternal Flame”, draws inspiration from ancient Chinese Liangzhu Culture.
An Overview of the Asian Games
The Asian Games, often referred to as Asiad, holds the distinction of being the biggest sports competition in Asia, held every four years under the aegis of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The Games’ emblem is a rising sun with interlocking rings, recognising its affiliation with the International Olympic Committee. Guru Dutt Sondhi, a member of the Indian International Olympic Committee, proposed this sporting event post World War II when many Asian countries were gaining independence. New Delhi, India hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951.
Asian Games: Regulation, History, and India’s Role
The Asian Games Federation initially regulated the Games from 1951 until 1978, but the OCA has been overseeing it since 1982. India holds a critical role in the Asian Games, not just as a founding member but also as the host of the first and the ninth edition of the Games. The first-ever mascot of the Asian Games was Appu, an Indian elephant, introduced in the 9th Asian Games held in New Delhi in November and December 1982.
Esports and Breaking: New Additions to the 19th Asian Games
The 19th Asian Games will witness two new sporting events, Esports and Breaking, making their debut. Esports, or Electronic Sports, involve gamers competing in various games within a virtual, electronic environment, showcasing their physical and mental prowess. Some popular Esports games include the League of Legends, Overwatch, Fortnite, and DOTA 2. Breaking, a style of street dancing, is known for its coordinated, acrobatic, intricate body movements, style, and aesthetics. It originated in the early 1970s as part of the hip hop movement.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF)
Formed on 23rd June 1937, the AIFF serves as the governing body for football associations in India. It gained affiliation with FIFA in 1948, a year after India’s independence. The AIFF oversees both the national teams and various league and club level competitions throughout the country.
The latest dispute with ISL clubs over player availability for national duties highlights the ongoing tussle between club and country priorities. But as the fallout continues, it’s the sport and its stars who find themselves in the crossfire. With the upcoming Asian Games, the need for resolution becomes even more critical, lest this discord affects India’s campaign in Hangzhou.
