A letter from the ministry of youth affairs and sports has put a cloud over the Indian football team's participation in the forthcoming Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8.

The letter, dated July 10 and sent to the Indian Olympic Association and all the national sports federations, said "for team events only those sports which have achieved a ranking up to 8th among participating countries in Asia in the last one year should be considered for participation in the Asian Games 2022."

The letter has a rider though. It says that if relaxations of the criteria are recommended with justifiable reasons, the ministry may consider to take "appropriate decisions."

India are 18th in Asia and have missed the Games only thrice — 1990, 1994 and 2018.

The All India Football Federation, however, is confident that the government will give an exemption. "We will request for an exemption on Monday itself," secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran told The Telegraph on Saturday. "Right now there are doubts," he added.

On Thursday, president Kalyan Chaubey, who is also the IOA joint secretary, had tweeted a picture of him with Union home minister Amit Shah. Indian football's "recent uprise" was discussed in the meeting. India have won three trophies in four months.

Md. Sp. log full points

Mohammedan Sporting’s David Lalhlansanga celebrates on Saturday. Santosh Ghosh

Calcutta: Mohammedan Sporting recorded their second victory in as many matches when they defeated United Sports Club 1-0 at the club ground on Saturday.

David Lalhlansanga, who scored a hat-trick in the first match, was the hero once again netting the all-important goal in the 78th minute.

United SC goalkeeper Raja Burman fisted away a corner but Lalhlansanga was atthe right place and his left-footed volley hit the back of the net.

In other matches, Diamond Harbour FC routed Food Corporation of India 4-0, Tollygunge Agragami beat Calcutta Football Club 2-0, Kalighat MS defeated Pathachakra 3-1 and the match between Peerless SC and Army Red ended 1-1.

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