# Indian skateboarders ask IOA for Asian Games 2026 place

2026-08-18T09:17:30+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

India's skateboarders, competing under the Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI), have formally requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to include skateboarding in the country's contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The sport has been an official medal event at the Asian Games since 2018 and an Olympic sport since 2020, but India did not field a team in the last two editions. The athletes, who train in Street and Park disciplines and have shown promise at national championships, see the Asian Games as a vital pathway to international ranking points and qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The RSFI has asked the IOA, led by president Dr. P.T. Usha, to conduct transparent selection trials following World Skate norms and to provide training and travel support. The IOA has not yet responded publicly.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The RSFI's appeal to the IOA for Asian Games inclusion is framed by Sportstar purely as a plea for opportunity. However, the story omits whether the IOA has responded or if funding constraints exist. India's absence from the past two editions of the Games suggests deeper structural issues, not just lack of request. While the athletes' optimism is justified by the sport's Olympic and Asian Games status, the measured middle-ground reading is that the IOA's response will determine if talent translates into participation. The key number to watch is whether the IOA announces selection trials by mid-2026.

## Coverage

- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/indian-sports-wrap-august-18-tuesday-news-results-highlights-updates-summary/article71358910.ece>

This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.

Tags: Asian Games 2026, Indian Olympic Association, P.T. Usha
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