IOA sets qualification criteria for 2018 Asiad

New Delhi, June 2: Apart from fast-rising talents, only the top-eight performers in team events and the top-six performers in individual events in the last four years' continental competitions will be part of India's contingent for the Asian Games later this year, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced on Saturday.

IOA president Narinder Batra said that they have shared the qualification criteria with the sports federations at the Executive Council Meeting held earlier on Saturday.

The qualification criteria means that even if someone has crossed the performance criteria approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) but has not finished in the top-six in individual events in continental championships or the 2014 Asiad, he or she will not board the flight to Indonesia.

However, Batra said that IOA's performance analysis team will consider athletes who would have shown upscale performances.

"This is the criteria set by us and athletes need to meet this criteria. Athletes need to earn the Indian jersey," Batra declared at a press conference.

The IOA also announced that they have registered 2370 members, including athletes and officials, for the quadrennial showpiece to be held in Indonesia from August 18.

"The long list for the 18th Asian Games has also been submitted to the organisers of the event. We shall shortlist the final contingent at the conclusion of final selections by various federations," explained Batra. The names of the shortlisted athletes will be finalised by June 30.

Batra also announced to submit Expression Of Interest for IOC Congress 2021 or onwards, Youth Olympic Games 2026, Asian Games 2030 and Olympic Games 2032. Batra also said that country should aim to win "double digit" medals at the Tokyo Olympics and around 20 at the 2024 games in Paris.

The IOA president feels that a good show will then help them gain public support in its bid to host the 2032 Summer Games. IANS