Indian Olympics Association (IOA) President PT Usha has faced backlash from football fans across the country for opposing the Indian national football team’s participation in the upcoming Asian Games.
With the event scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, in September 2023, many netizens and football enthusiasts criticized the government of India for not allowing the Indian team to take part in the prestigious games.
Hopes of a relaxation in criteria for Indian football’s participation were shattered as the final decision came from renowned athlete PT Usha.
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Fans directed their frustration towards one of India’s pioneer athletes, causing “PT Usha” to trend on Twitter on Friday, July 21.
In an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17, Indian national football team coach Igor Stimac urged him to reconsider the decision and allow the team to represent the country in the Asian Games.
Stimac emphasized the importance of football as a key global sport and expressed the team’s strong desire to participate and proudly represent India.
He also reminded the Prime Minister of India’s investments in hosting the Under-17 FIFA World Cup, which brought forth a new generation of talented players.
Stimac stressed that the U-17 team, which had performed well in the U-23 World Cup qualifiers, deserves the opportunity to compete in the Asian Games and showcase their talent on an international stage.
