New Delhi: With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) set to inform the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on June 23 about the sports categories in which India will participate at the Asian Games in Japan, disputed national federations like the handball, taekwondo and karate bodies remain hopeful that administrative and governance issues will not stand in the way of athletes’ dreams.The deadline assumes significance because only those sports included in India’s official entry list will be part of the country’s contingent for the continental event. National Sports Federations (NSFs) caught in recognition disputes are looking to the sports ministry and IOA with optimism, hoping they will separate internal conflicts from participation decisions.In handball, the women’s team has qualified for the Asiad and the Handball Association of India (HAI) has already submitted the names of eligible athletes to the IOA. HAI hopes the team will be cleared for participation despite the ongoing dispute with the Handball Federation of India (HFI).The International Handball Federation (IHF), in a June 15 communication to IOA president PT Usha, reiterated that it recognises only HAI as the governing body in India, a position also backed by the Asian body.The handball community has already been affected by another issue. India’s junior women’s team, set to make its debut at the IHF Women’s Junior (U20) World Championship in China from June 24-July 5, has received no govt financial assistance. The association has stepped in to support players and officials.Taekwondo faces a similar predicament. While neither Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) nor India Taekwondo are recognised domestically, World and Asian taekwondo bodies acknowledge India Taekwondo as the sole governing body. India has secured qualification in eight Asiad events, with an additional athlete qualifying in Virtual Taekwondo. Officials are hoping the sport will be included.Karate athletes, meanwhile, continue to seek relief from the courts amid multiple rival bodies. Recently, the Delhi high court observed, on an Asiad-qualified player’s plea, that athletes should not suffer due to administrative inaction.