The Sports Ministry has categorically said that major events including the Asian and Commonwealth Games are not “exposure tours” and only those who qualify and can deliver performance will be cleared by the government.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday made it clear that there would be complete transparency in selections but, at the same time, there would be strict scrutiny of entries and travellers would not be included simply to make up the numbers.

“Asian Games or Commonwealth Games is not for exposure, it is a platform for athletes who can make the country proud. That is why we have the selection criteria saying only the top six in continental rankings would be considered. Exposure can be gained elsewhere, there is enough time and competition through the years.

“The ministry will never stop anyone from that. If federations prepare a training or exposure plan for LA 2028 and submit it to us now, they will have our full support for the next two years. Even individual athletes who wish to train anywhere in the world will be given assistance. But going to Asian Games simply because participation means jobs will not be cleared,” he declared during an interaction.

The Indian athletes’ contingent for Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this year is expected to be capped at 560 and Mandaviya insisted that while all federations had to follow the ministry guidelines for selections, the ministry had the final word in clearing names.

“Videography in the presence of a government observer is mandatory. The selected names are then sent to the IOA, who forwards it to Sports Authority of India for vetting. That list then comes to the ministry for final clearance and only those will be allowed,” he added.

Ministry sources said that the practice of parents or relatives travelling as part of the official contingent by doubling up as team managers or coaches would not be entertained. “A federation’s list does not constitute the final contingent. Only those athletes, coaches and support staff whose names are included in the ministry’s Sanction Order shall be treated as official members,” they added.