NEW DELHI - India's sports ministry slashed the contingent going to the Asian Games, leaving out 146 athletes who stood only a slim chance of winning medals. The Indian Olympic Association wanted government approval for a mammoth 942-member squad that included 662 athletes. But the ministry gave the go-ahead to only 516 athletes and 163 officials after three weeks of deliberations that ended at PM Narendra Modi's door. The contingent will take part in 28 disciplines after several others including bowling, karate, modern pentathlon, rugby, soft tennis and triathlon were axed from India's original list. "The exercise was undertaken to ensure that only deserving athletes, coaches and support personnel are participating," said a release from sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal's office.–AFP