Selection Criteria for 2026 Asian Games Notified

The Ministry of Youth Affairs has issued the selection criteria for individual and team participation in the 2026 Asian Games, the 2026 Para-Asian Games, and other multi-sport events. These instructions establish a transparent and objective framework to ensure that stakeholders are fully aware of the performance benchmarks, professional standards, and medal prospects expected of athletes representing the country, moving beyond the notion of mere participation.

Participation in multi-sport events will be guided primarily by the qualifying benchmarks or quotas prescribed by the respective international sports bodies. In the absence of such benchmarks, the criteria outlined by the Ministry will apply.

Key Highlights of the Selection Criteria

• Measurable Individual Sports and Events:
  Athletes may be nominated by their National Sports Federation (NSF) if they:
  • Secured a 6th place or better in the same category at the previous Asian Games, or
  • Matched or bettered the 6th place performance from the last Senior Asian Championships,

at a competition recognized by the international sports federation within 12 months preceding the upcoming Asian Games.

• Non-Measurable Individual Sports and Events:
  Athletes may be nominated if they:
  • Achieved a 6th place or better in the relevant category at the last Senior Asian Championship within the preceding 12 months, or
  • Hold a world ranking within the top 6 among Asian countries as of 10 days before the entry deadline.

Equivalent international competitions may be considered where regular rankings are not maintained.

• Team Sports and Team Events:

Teams may qualify if they:

• • Secured a top 8 finish at the last Senior Asian Championship held within the preceding 12 months, or
  • Ranked within the top 8 among Asian countries in international rankings as of 10 days prior to the entry deadline.

Equivalent international competitions may be considered in the absence of regular rankings.

Competitions held at irregular intervals to circumvent rules and help athletes meet the selection criteria, especially those of low standards or absence of top nations participation, shall not be considered for benchmarking.

• Relaxation Clause:

The Ministry may allow relaxation of these criteria where justified and appropriately recommended.

• Low Participation Events:
  • Where the number of participating countries in an Asian Championship is 6–12, only the top 4 positions will be considered.
  • Where participation is less than 6 countries, only the top 2 positions will be considered.
• Asian Standing:

Eligibility may also be assessed on the basis of being among the top 8 Asian nations in the most recent global rankings.

• Asian Championships for Eligibility:
  • Championships conducted within 12 months prior to the Asian Games will be considered.
  • For biennial championships, the most recent event within 24 months prior to the Games will be taken into account.
• Recognition of International Rankings:

Only rankings issued by recognized international federations that are regularly updated will be accepted.

• Calculation Period:

The 12-month window prior to the Asian Games will be calculated from the last date of entry by name.

• Additional Sportsperson:

No additional sportsperson coaches and support staff will be allowed even at no cost to the government.