Srinagar, Aug 22 (JKNS): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports clarified that India will not allow any bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, while participation in international and multilateral events involving Pakistani players will continue as per global sports practices.
In a statement Sports Ministry of India as per news agency JKNS clarified that India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country.
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, it reads.
Statment further reads that, 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, it reads.
“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,” it reads.
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, statment reads.
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, reads the statement. (JKNS)
