New Delhi

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday clarified that India’s suspension of bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan will continue, while participation involving athletes from both countries in international multi-nation competitions will remain unaffected.

In a communication sent to all National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India and other stakeholders, the ministry reaffirmed that no bilateral sporting exchanges would take place between the two nations.

Under the policy, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for head-to-head sporting contests, and Pakistani teams will similarly not be permitted to compete in India in bilateral events.

At the same time, the ministry clarified that India’s participation in international tournaments featuring Pakistani athletes or teams would continue in line with the regulations and practices of global sporting bodies, as well as the interests of Indian sportspersons.

The circular also stated that Pakistani athletes and teams would be allowed to compete in India when the country hosts international or multilateral competitions governed by recognised global federations.

The policy was initially introduced in August last year following controversy surrounding India’s participation in the Asia Cup held in the UAE, which also featured Pakistan, months after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

At the time, the government had indicated that multilateral sporting commitments would not be disrupted unless Pakistan itself was the host nation.

The latest clarification also aligns with India’s larger ambitions of hosting major global sporting events, including bids for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Summer Olympics.

Emphasising its intention to establish India as a preferred global sporting venue, the ministry announced measures to streamline visa procedures for athletes, team officials, technical delegates, and administrators associated with international sports federations.

According to the ministry, senior office-bearers of international governing bodies will be eligible for priority-based multi-entry visas valid for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years.

It also assured that visiting heads of international sports organisations would receive protocol and hospitality in line with established diplomatic and sporting norms.

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In a separate administrative development, the ministry announced that its headquarters has now shifted from Shastri Bhawan to its newly built premises in Netaji Nagar.