Half of India's Winter Sports Squad Rejected: PT Usha Questions Ministry's Decision

The Indian contingent for the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, has been reduced to 35 athletes due to a last-minute review by the Sports Ministry. The ministry had rejected over half of the 76 names submitted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

According to reports, the cutbacks affect several sports teams, including ice hockey, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding. However, athletes who ranked in the top six of individual events or top eight of team events will still be allowed to participate.

This decision has sparked criticism from none other than PT Usha, a legendary Indian athlete and current head of the IOA. In a letter sent to the Sports Ministry, Usha questioned the validity of the selection criteria used for winter sports competitions.

Usha argued that the use of strict selection criteria may not be suitable for winter sports due to their relatively limited participation from international athletes. The criteria can undermine the purpose of promoting winter sports in India and are unfair to athletes with limited practice time in India's harsh climate.

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, had expressed no intention of revising these criteria. However, by opting for a top-heavy selection process, India stands at an increased risk of not meeting their full potential in the highly competitive 2025 Asian Winter Games competition.

This move also highlights the challenges faced by India's winter sports athletes who have been limited to a short practice window due to climate conditions.

When the 2017 Winter Asian Games were last held, India failed to secure a single medal from its 27 participants in six sports. The ministry has expressed no intention of following this precedent and instead is banking on an athletic contingent that includes seasoned individuals aiming at securing medals under their belt.

It's unclear how the IOA plans to compensate for these athletes affected by the cutbacks; however, some are hoping for improvements made next time around in an event that promises immense challenges for India.