India keeps ban on bilateral sports with Pakistan, allows multilateral events
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New Delhi: India’s Sports Ministry on Wednesday reaffirmed that the blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, imposed last year, will continue. However, it clarified that athletes from Pakistan will be allowed to participate in multi-national events held in India, in line with international sporting norms.
In a circular issued to all National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the ministry stated that Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral competitions, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to play bilateral matches in India.
“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 said.
At the same time, the government emphasised that participation in international and multi-lateral events will continue as per the norms of global sporting bodies and the interests of Indian athletes.
“Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also feature teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India,” the circular added.
The policy was first announced in August last year following controversy over India’s participation in cricket’s Asia Cup in the UAE, which also included Pakistan, just months after the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. At the time, the ministry had clarified that it would not obstruct India’s involvement in multi-nation tournaments unless Pakistan was the host country.
Reiterating India’s ambition to host major global events such as the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036, the ministry said the country would adhere to the Olympic Charter and its principles of inclusivity to project itself as a welcoming host.
To support this goal, the government announced measures to simplify the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical staff, and office-bearers of international sports governing bodies.
It also stated that office-bearers of international federations would be granted priority multi-entry visas for the duration of their tenure, up to a maximum of five years. Additionally, established protocol and courtesies will be extended to visiting heads of international sports bodies during their stay in India.
With PTI inputs