Panaji: There’s no guarantee that you can book a place at the Asian Games, even if you achieve the qualification mark. Nobody knows this better than Katya Coelho.Four years ago, the Goan windsurfer qualified for the Asian Games, but with just a few days left for the multi-discipline event to commence in China, she was left out of the list by the govt. The reason: she was not among the top eight in Asia, the minimum qualification criteria set by the Union sports ministry.This time around, Katya qualified again by winning the national races at home. Then, she took part in international competitions to finish among the best five in Asia. Now, she’s headed to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.“She’s the only one in iQFOiL class representing India,” her father, Donald, told TOI on Sunday. “I am now battling for Dayne’s clearance. His name is not on the list announced by sports ministry.”Like Katya, her elder brother Dayne had also delivered a commanding performance at Sail India 2026 in Mumbai to win gold and stay in contention for a place at the Asian Games. However, as per the performance pathway that has been set by the govt and Indian Olympic Association (IOA), sailors had to finish within the top six among Asian nations at designated international events to meet the final qualification benchmark.“They took part in two major international championships (in Spain and France) and Dayne finished seventh among Asian competitors. Both these events happened when there was tension in the Middle East, so flights were re-routed. It took them almost 40 hours to reach the destination. Dayne did his best and finished seventh (among Asian competitors),” said Donald.The seventh position, as per the criteria, wasn’t enough for Dayne. Katya was among the top five in Asia.“We have written to the sports minister, explaining our situation. International results depend on so many factors. You have to consider the sea conditions, weather, state of mind. There are so many challenges. Dayne has been among the best in the country for more than a decade. For 12 years, at multiple Asian Games trials, he has topped, yet if he cannot make it to Japan for this year’s Games, it will be unfair,” said Donald, a former national champion himself.The Indian contingent for the 20th Asian Games received the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ administrative and financial approval on Saturday, with 492 athletes set to compete across 35 disciplines.The approved contingent comprises 265 men and 227 women, following a request from IOA, which had sought govt clearance through a letter and subsequent communications earlier this month.The Games will be held from Sept 19 to Oct 4.
