Oceania invitation ruled out

Australia, New Zealand among nations ineligible for competition

ASHKHABAD - The influential head of the Olympic Council of Asia has dashed hopes that athletes from Oceania nations, including Australia and New Zealand, could participate in the Asian Games, starting in 2022.

Athletes from the two countries took part in the Asian Winter Games as "guests" in Sapporo, Japan, earlier this year and the Australian Olympic Committee said talks were being held about extending the invitation to the summer versions.