A year after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, India has officially clarified its sports policy towards Pakistan. The government has said that Pakistani athletes and teams will be allowed to compete in international events held in India, while bilateral sporting ties will remain suspended.
In an Office Memorandum issued on May 5, the Sports Ministry stated that Pakistani players can take part in multilateral events hosted in India. It also announced a more relaxed visa process for athletes, officials, and representatives of international sports bodies.
The policy clearly separates bilateral and international competitions. It states that Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral events, and Pakistani teams will also not be allowed to play bilateral matches in India. However, when it comes to global tournaments, India will follow the rules of international federations.
The memorandum said that Indian athletes will continue to participate in international events that include Pakistani players. Similarly, Pakistani teams will be allowed to compete in such events hosted by India. This means both sides could face each other in tournaments like cricket World Cups and multi-sport events.
The government said this approach reflects India’s broader policy towards Pakistan, while also keeping in mind the interests of Indian athletes and international sporting commitments.
This move comes at an important time, as India is trying to establish itself as a global sports hub. The country is set to host major events like the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has also bid for the 2036 Olympics and 2038 Asian Games. Officials from the Olympic Council of Asia are expected to visit Ahmedabad to review India’s preparations. India will also host the Champions Trophy in 2029 and the ODI World Cup in 2031.
In the coming months, Indian and Pakistani athletes are likely to face each other in several international events, including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The two nations are also scheduled to meet in hockey competitions such as the FIH Pro League in London and the World Cup in Amsterdam.
Sporting ties between India and Pakistan have remained tense in recent years. There was public criticism when the two teams faced each other in events like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. There were also concerns over visa approvals for Pakistani teams during tournaments held in India.
To address such issues, the government has now promised to simplify the visa process. Athletes, team officials, and international federation members will get easier and faster approvals. Officials may also be granted multi-entry visas for up to five years to ensure smooth travel.
By clearly defining this policy, India aims to remove confusion and meet international standards, while balancing political realities with global sporting commitments.
