Pakistan Athletes Allowed in India for Multilateral Sports Events

AI Summary

India's sports ministry has announced that Pakistani athletes can participate in multilateral sports events hosted in India, but bilateral events remain suspended. The decision aims to promote sports diplomacy and simplify visa processes for athletes and officials.

The New Sports Policy

Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in multilateral events hosted by India, but bilateral events remain off the table, India's sport ministry said on Wednesday.

Simplified Visa Process

India also said the visa process for sportspersons and officials will be simplified while office bearers of international sport governing bodies will be granted multi-entry visas.

The Impact on Bilateral Sports

“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 added.

There has been a long freeze in bilateral cricket between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who have not played a full series since 2012-13 and now meet largely at neutral venues.

India's Sports Hosting Ambitions

India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and they have also bid for the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.

The Future of Sports Diplomacy

“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,” the ministry said in a memorandum.

“It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”