Men’s football was introduced to the Asian games since the start of the event in 1951 in Delhi, India. On the other hand, women’s football made its way into the multi-sport event in the year 1990 held in Beijing, China. There is an age limit rule for participating in the tournament. The age limit of players participating in teams has been set to under-23 plus, but up to three over aged players can participate from each squad.
South Korea has dominated men’s football in the Asian Games by a total of 10 medals, four of which are gold. Iran occupies the second spot by seven medals, including four golds followed by India on the third spot with three medals, two of which are gold.
In women’s football, North Korea is leading the board by six medals, including three gold. China is on the second spot with five medals, three of which are gold followed by Japan on the third spot with seven medals including one gold, four silver and two bronze.
Asian Games 2018 Football
The 2018 Asian Games Football will be held in city of Palembang, Indonesia from 14 August to 1 September 2018. However, matches will also be played in cities such as Bekasi, Cibinong, Cikarang and Soreang.
In men’s football, there will be a total of 25 teams participating in the event. The teams have been divided into six groups.
Palestine, home team Indonesia, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Laos are in group A. Thailand, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and Qatar are in group B. United Arab Emirates, China, Timor-Leste and Syria are in group C followed by Japan, Vietnam, Pakistan and Nepal in group D. South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia and Bahrain have been matched in group E. North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar are in group F.
Women’s football will showcase a total of 11 teams which have been divided into three groups. Home team Indonesia, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and Maldives are in group A. North Korea, China PR, Hong Kong and Tajikistan are in group B followed by Japan, Vietnam and Thailand in group C.
India has been excluded from the 2018 Asian Games for the first time since 1994. Indian Olympic Association declined India’s entry due to its 14th position in the continental level. According to IOA policy only top eight teams are allowed to participate in the tournament.
IOA ignored the recent positive trajectory of Indian Football and its performances in the Intercontinental cup which was a disappointing decision according to All India Football Federation(AIFF).
2014 Asian Games Football Results
Host country South Korea won the event and earned the gold medal by defeating North Korea 1-0. The third spot was occupied by Iraq who defeated Thailand 1-0.
Ferdinand Sinaga of Indonesia was the highest goal scorer in the tournament, scoring six goals to reach the top of the leaderboard.
