The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended all discussions with India regarding hosting of global sporting events in the backdrop of denial of visas to the two Pakistani Shooters. The Pakistani shooters were supposed to participate in the 25m rapid fire pistol event in the ISSF World Cup.
Contents of the IOC statement
- IOC notes that the Indian government authorities have failed to grant an entry visa for the Pakistani delegation to participate in the ISSF World Cup which was a qualification competition for the Tokyo Olympic Games to be held in 2020.
- Keeping in mind the interests of other 500 athletes from 61 countries participating in other events of ISSF World Cup, the IOC has withdrawn the recognition of the 25m rapid fire pistol event and not the whole World Cup.
- Denial of visa for Pakistani shooters is against the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter.
- As a result, IOC Executive Board has decided to suspend all discussions with India regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and Olympic-related events until clear written guarantees are obtained from the Indian government to ensure the entry of all participants in compliance with the rules of the Olympic Charter
The tensions due to Pulwama Terrorist Attack and the alleged role of Pakistan based groups behind the attack has deteriorated the bilateral relations. This is having a spillover effect on the arena of sports. There are also demands for withdrawing the Indian team from the match against Pakistan in the cricket world cup.