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India upholds its ban on hosting any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, but agrees to allow both nations to meet in multi-nation events such as the Olympics.
(AFP Photo)
India’s Sports Ministry has made its stance clear: the blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan stays.
But there’s a notable exception.
In a circular issued on Wednesday to National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the ministry reiterated that while direct series between the two nations remain off the table, participation in multi-nation events will continue as normal.
Bilateral Freeze Remains
“And 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.
The policy effectively shuts the door on standalone India-Pakistan sporting engagements for now: a stance that has remained unchanged since it was first introduced in August last year.
Multilateral Window Stays Open
However, the government drew a clear distinction when it comes to international tournaments.
“Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan,” the ministry clarified. “Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India.”
Balancing Politics and Sport
The policy was initially rolled out following widespread backlash over India’s participation in the Asia Cup, held in the UAE and featuring Pakistan, just months after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Even then, the government maintained it would not interfere in multilateral tournaments, provided they were not hosted in Pakistan.
Beyond geopolitics, the move also signals India’s intent to position itself as a major global sporting hub.
With bids lined up for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games, the ministry emphasized adherence to the Olympic Charter’s principles of inclusivity.
“To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process… shall be simplified,” the statement added.
This includes streamlined visa procedures for athletes, officials, and technical staff, along with priority multi-entry visas (up to five years) for office-bearers of international governing bodies.
(with PTI inputs)
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