Asian Games: India´s jumbo-sized squad cut down to size

NEW DELHI: India´s sports ministry on Tuesday slashed the contingent going to the Asian Games in South Korea, leaving out 146 athletes who stood only a slim chance of winning medals.

The Indian Olympic Association wanted government approval for a mammoth 942-member squad that included 662 athletes to travel to Incheon for the September 19-October 4 event.

But the ministry gave the go-ahead to only 516 athletes and 163 officials after three weeks of deliberations that ended at Prime Minister Narendra Modi´s door.

The contingent will take part in 28 disciplines after several others including bowling, karate, modern pentathlon, rugby, soft tennis and triathlon were axed from India´s original list.

"The exercise (to prune the squad) was undertaken to ensure that only deserving athletes, coaches and support personnel are participating in the Games," said a release from sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal´s office.

Sonowal took the decision "in consultation with the Prime Minister", the release added.

The men´s and women´s football teams, which have been training in China, were given the green light despite media speculation that both could be axed.

India had sent 609 athletes in a 933-member delegation to the previous Asian Games in Guangzhou, China four years ago. They took part in 35 disciplines and won 65 medals, including 14 golds. (AFP)