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The Sports Ministry stated on Wednesday that although athletes from other countries will not be prevented from travelling here for multilateral events, the general ban on bilateral athletic connections with Pakistan that was put in place last year will still be in effect.
“In so far as bilateral sports events in each other`s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India,” the ministry stated in a circular issued to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), among others.
“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our own sportspersons. Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India,” the statement added.
The policy was originally made public in August of last year following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, and the controversy surrounding India`s participation in the cricket Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, which also included Pakistan.
The Ministry had previously declared that it would not obstruct multilateral cricket matches unless Pakistan was the host nation.
India hopes to host the Olympic Games in 2036
In an effort to position itself as a friendly host of international events, the policy makes it clear that India will adhere to the Olympic Charter and its inclusive ideology as it hopes to host both the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.
“To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified,” the ministry said.
“In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on a priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years,” the statement added.
(With PTI Input)
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