New Delhi, Sept. 25 -- The Union sports ministry announced the selection criteria for the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday, laying down a marker that only athletes with a "real chance of winning a medal" will be cleared for participation. The ministry in a statement said it "may not approve names of sportspersons of teams recommended by the National Sports Federations, if the aim is just for participation and not aiming for excellence (medal winning)." Sixth-place finish at the 2023 Asian Games has been kept as the benchmark for individual events, while a top-eight finish at continental championships or a top eight ranking in Asia has been set as the selection standard for team sports. This selection criteria will also apply for the participat...