The Indian men’s and women’s football teams are all set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China after the Sports Ministry decided to relax the existing selection criteria.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had earlier refused to clear the Indian football teams for the Asian Games, on the ground that they were not ranked in the top-8 in Asia.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) then appealed to the Sports Ministry to allow the men’s and women’s sides to take part in the prestigious event, with national senior team head coach Igor Stimac also seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention.

“Good news for Indian football lovers! Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s, are set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games,” Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted on Wednesday.

“The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, has decided to relax the rules to facilitate the participation of both the teams, which were not qualifying as per the existing criterion.”

“Keeping in mind their latest performances in recent times, the Ministry decided to grant the relaxation. I am sure they will put their best foot forward in the Asian Games and make our country proud,” he added.

IOA president PT Usha, however, is said to be not in favor of the national football team’s participation in the upcoming Asian Games, for which she had to face backlash from the fans. (PTI)