India Allows Pakistani Athletes Amid Visa Suspension
India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals following terror attacks in Pahalgam. Despite this, the government clarified that Pakistani athletes would still be allowed to participate in multi-nation sports tournaments hosted in India. This move separates sports diplomacy from political tensions and reflects adherence to international sports regulations.
Background
The visa suspension was a response to security concerns after terror attacks. However, Indian officials confirmed that this ban would not extend to Pakistani athletes in multi-nation events. This policy aims to maintain India’s commitments to international sports bodies and ensure uninterrupted hosting of major tournaments.
International Sporting Events in India, 2025
India is hosting over a dozen international tournaments across nearly ten sports in 2025. Events include World Cups, Asian and Commonwealth Championships in hockey, weightlifting, swimming, badminton, squash, and athletics. Pakistani athletes are allowed entry for these events despite broader diplomatic and trade restrictions.
Historical Precedent – The 2019 Visa Controversy
In 2019, India faced international backlash for denying visas to Pakistani athletes after the Pulwama terror attack. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reprimanded India for violating the Olympic Charter’s non-discrimination principles. This led to suspension of talks for future events and IOC recommendations against awarding India hosting rights without assurances of visa access for all athletes.
Olympic Charter and Rule 44
The Olympic Charter mandates that no athlete should be excluded for political, racial, or religious reasons. Rule 44 specifically requires National Olympic Committees to ensure equal participation. India’s current policy aligns with this rule to avoid jeopardising its bids for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics.
Global Examples of Sports and Politics
Countries like Russia and Ukraine continue to compete despite conflict. Past IOC actions include penalising Kuwait and Malaysia for visa denials to Israeli athletes. FIFA revoked hosting rights from Indonesia over similar issues. Even the USA exempts athletes from travel bans for major events, showing global precedence for separating sports from politics.
IOC’s Stance on Politicisation of Sport
At the 2023 IOC Session in Mumbai, concerns were raised about increasing government restrictions on athletes. IOC members emphasise that political interference risks a country’s chances to host major events. Compliance with the Olympic Charter is crucial during host selection and dialogue stages.
India’s Olympic Ambitions and Diplomacy
India’s delegation recently met the IOC in Lausanne to promote its 2036 Olympic bid. The assurance of non-discriminatory athlete participation is key to maintaining India’s international sports standing. The government’s stance reflects a balance between national security and global sports commitments.
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