No 'Exposure Tours' at Asian Games: Sports Minister Says Only Medal Prospects Will Go

The Sports Ministry has made it clear that the Asian Games will not serve as an exposure tour for athletes or teams that do not meet the medal-winning criteria. Speaking to reporters, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that only those capable of delivering medals will be selected for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

When asked specifically about the inclusion of the men's football team, which participated in the previous edition, Mandaviya ruled out sending any team just to make up numbers. “The Asian Games is not an exposure tour. It is a platform to win medals. We only want athletes who will deliver the medals,” he said.

The Minister further emphasised that exposure can be gained through other events and not necessarily at the Asian Games. “Anyone looking to secure jobs through participation certificates will not be cleared. The Games are about performance, and we will ensure that,” Mandaviya added.

This statement reinforces the ministry's focus on performance-oriented selection, aligning with India's broader goal of improving its medal tally at major multi-sport events.