India will go ahead with the Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan next month, but will not engage in any bilateral sporting clash with the neighbouring country, the sports ministry said on Thursday while unveiling the new policy on India's international engagements with emphasis on Pakistan.
“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,” the ministry policy stated.
However, multilateral engagements will not be affected. "We will not stop Indian cricket team from playing in Asia Cup as it is multilateral,” said a ministry official. “Pakistan will not be allowed on Indian soil for bilateral competitions. But we will not stop them from multilateral events as we will abide by the Olympic Charter," he said.
Asked if Indian teams will be allowed to travel to Pakistan for any multilateral competitions, the official said, “In that scenario, we will examine the case before deciding anything. Even in multilateral events, we can't leave our athletes in the lurch,” he said.
Asked if the policy could be revised if the ties between the two countries improve, the official said, “At this point, it looks unlikely.” The policy clarifies that India, which is aspiring to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games, will abide by the Olympic Charter and its philosophy of inclusivity to present itself as an amiable host of global events.
This is precisely the reason why the government agreed to grant visas to Pakistani hockey players for next month's Asia Cup in Bihar, even though they refused to travel, citing security concerns. "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. 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 stated.
"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 will be simplified," the policy stated.
The ministry said that for office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, a multi-entry visa will be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. “This will facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, will be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies during their visits to India,” said the policy.
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