Sports Ministry, Federation to review Asian Games performance on October 13: Sources

Indian contingent (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Officials from India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and National Sports Federations (NSFs) will review India’s performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on October 13. India picked up 85 medals at the Continental Games to finish fourth on the medal table, down 21 medals from the previous Games.“There has to be a review. We have to change a lot of things. A lot of money was spent on experienced athletes but they didn’t get a medal,” said a sports ministry source.“Sports Federation (NSF) for review in accordance with the Ministry of Sports on October 13,” they added.Ministry officials expressed disappointment at some veterans of the sport who did not win a medal or were ranked lower.The release of funding through the government’s flagship Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) will also be assessed.Individually, the sports that have raised eyebrows include badminton (1 bronze) and shooting (15 medals).“Another problem was injuries. The players reported injuries after they arrived for the games, which is fair. Millions of crowns were spent on their preparation,” the source said.The Sports Ministry has reportedly spent more than Rs 700 crore to prepare athletes for the Games in a three-year cycle.