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Delhi. The Sports Ministry on Wednesday said the complete ban imposed last year on bilateral sports relations with Pakistan will continue but players coming from across the border will not be stopped from coming here to participate in tournaments of various countries. The Ministry also reiterated its commitment to simplify the visa process for players, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports governing bodies so as to establish India as a ‘preferred sports destination’.

“As far as bilateral sports competitions in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not participate in the competitions held in Pakistan,” the ministry said in a circular issued to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and other bodies including Sports Authority of India (SAI). Nor will we allow Pakistani teams to play in India.

“With respect to international and multi-national competitions, whether in India or abroad, we are guided by the functioning of international sports governing bodies and the interests of our own players,” it said.

According to this, “In view of this, Indian teams and individual players will participate in those international competitions in which Pakistani teams or players also participate. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral competitions organized by India.” This policy was first announced in August last year. This announcement came when there was a lot of uproar regarding India’s participation in the Asia Cup of Cricket held in UAE.

Pakistan was also playing in this tournament and it was organized just a few months after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people lost their lives. At that time the ministry had said that it would not create any obstruction in multilateral cricket competitions unless the host country was Pakistan.

The policy makes it clear that India, which aspires to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympic Games, will adhere to the Olympic Charter and its spirit of inclusivity so that it can present itself as a friendly host of global events.

Sports Ministry statement

The ministry said, “In order to establish India as a preferred destination for hosting international sports events, the visa process will be simplified for players, team officials, technical staff and officials of international sports governing bodies.” The ministry said, “In the case of officials of international sports governing bodies, multiple entry visas will be given on priority basis for the period of their official tenure, subject to a maximum of five years.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has shifted its office from Shastri Bhawan to Netaji. Has shifted to its newly constructed premises in the city.

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