India sticks to no bilateral sports policy with Pakistan, eases norms for global events

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday reiterated that India will continue its ban on bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, while allowing Pakistani athletes and teams to compete in multilateral events hosted in the country.

In an official circular issued to the Indian Olympic Association, Sports Authority of India and National Sports Federations, with copies to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs, the ministry clarified its stance.

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“Insofar as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not participate in competitions in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to play in India,” the circular stated.

However, the government underlined that international commitments and athlete interests would take precedence in global competitions.

“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our sportspersons,” the ministry said, adding that India’s growing stature as a reliable host for global sporting events is also a key consideration.

The clarification comes at a time when India is actively positioning itself as a major hub for international sport. The country is set to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 and has submitted a bid for the Olympic Games 2036. It is also scheduled to stage the ICC Champions Trophy 2029 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031.

In addition, India has expressed interest in hosting the Asian Games 2038, with discussions already taking place at the executive board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia.

To further strengthen its position as a global sporting destination, the ministry also announced measures to ease visa norms.

“To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, and technical personnel will be simplified,” it said.

The circular added that office-bearers of international sports governing bodies will be granted priority multi-entry visas for the duration of their tenure, up to a maximum of five years, ensuring smoother movement in line with global practices.