The Government of India has improved a policy to deal with Pakistan at sports events and announced that Indian athletes and teams will be allowed to participate in “international programs”, including Pakistan teams or players. However, India will continue to avoid participating in competitions in Pakistan and will not participate in any bilateral competition.
In addition, it is also declared that visa policy would be “simplified” for players, team officials, technical personnel and office-marriages of international sports governing bodies for a five-year “maximum” period, confirming a source in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Thursday.
This development comes amid the outrage over the Indian cricket team facing Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup, which will take place in Dubai on 14 September. The resentment over India, who faced its hardcore rival in the tournament, is angry against the terrorist attack in Pahgam in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 tourists by Pakistan-posed militants on 22 April.
India responded on 7 May with Operation Sindoor to avenge the attack and destroyed the infrastructure of terror within the Line of Control and deep within Pakistan. Following India’s reaction, stressful relations between the two neighboring countries went ahead.
Mayas approved that India would not play Pakistan in bilateral programs and said, “India’s approach for sports events related to Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. As far as bilateral sports incidents are related to each other countries, Indian teams will not be allowed to participate in competition in Pakistan. International sports bodies and their players interested in Pakistan.
Considering India’s rise as a reliable place to host top -level international programs, nations will be able to compete against individual athletes and teams of nations against Pakistan in multinational tournaments organized by India.
“It is also relevant to keep in mind India’s emergence as a reliable place to host international sports events. Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will participate in international programs, including Pakistan teams or players. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral programs hosted by India.”
“For India hosting international sports events, for the position as a preferred destination, the visa process for the players, team officials, technical personnel and office-supporters of international sports governing bodies will be simplified,” said Mayas.
Myas also confirmed that a multi-entry visa would be issued on top priority for their official tenure period and said, “In relation to office-guardians of international sports governing bodies, a multi-entry visa would be provided to a priority basis for their official tenure period, which is subject to a maximum period of five years.”
Mayas concluded, (AI)