Government Clears Way For Pakistani Athletes To Compete in India, But Long-Standing Ban Remains

On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Indian government clarified their policy on sporting ties between India and Pakistan. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MOYAS) issued an official memorandum over the country’s approach towards their neighboring nation amid the strained political ties between the two countries.

The MOYOS pointed out that the policy is governed by regulation of international sporting bodies and the desire to make India a preferred destination for hosting major global sporting events. The government cleared the way for Pakistani athletes to compete in India during multi-nation events and also for Indian athletes to compete in competitions against sportsmen and teams from Pakistan.

“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events. 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 policy document published on the ministry’s website stated.

Bilateral Ban Remains

However, the ban on India playing a team from Pakistan in any bilateral sporting competition remains in place. The Sports Ministry made it clear that neither will any Indian team be allowed to travel to Pakistan nor any team from Pakistan be allowed to play 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 memorandum stated.

The MOYAS also stressed that in order to improve India’s credibility to host global sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons and other officials involved will be simplified.

“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. In respect of office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa shall be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. This shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due. protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India,” the document further stated.

India Aim To Host Major Events

For those unversed, India has already been allocated the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The quadrennial event will take place in Ahmedabad. It will be the second instance of the country hosting the competition after 2010 when New Delhi was the host city.

Moreover, India are also bidding to host the Olympics for the first time in 2036, with Ahmedabad set to be the city.

Recently, India has also expressed an interest to host the 2038 Asian games. The continental showpiece multi-sport event has not taken place on Indian soil since 1982.