The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has clarified that while bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan will remain suspended, Pakistani athletes and teams will still be permitted to participate in multilateral international events hosted in India.
The clarification came through a circular issued to National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India and other stakeholders, formally defining the government’s current sporting policy towards Pakistan.
Under the policy, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral competitions, while Pakistani teams will also not be allowed to compete in bilateral events hosted in India. However, the restriction will not apply to tournaments involving multiple nations under international governing bodies.
Multilateral events exempt from restrictions
The move effectively allows Indian athletes to compete in global or continental competitions where Pakistani athletes are also participating, while ensuring India continues to meet obligations as a host nation for international sport.
The clarification gains significance amid India’s ambitions to host major events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games. The government’s stance appears aimed at balancing political considerations with international sporting commitments.
Cricket is expected to remain the most sensitive area under the policy. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket for several years, with encounters restricted largely to ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments.
The ministry also stated that visa procedures for athletes, team officials and international sports administrators will be simplified for multilateral events hosted in India. Senior officials from international federations will also be eligible for priority multi-entry visas for up to five years.
The latest circular formalises India’s position of maintaining a strict bilateral sporting freeze with Pakistan while avoiding blanket exclusion from international competitions.
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