Sports Ministry Takes Major Decision, Opts To Continue Ban On Bilateral Events With Pakistan

New Delhi: The Central Government has decided to continue the ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports clarified that Indian teams will not participate in any bilateral competitions held in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to compete in such fixtures within India.

What does the ban entail?

However, the Ministry also clarified that this ban will not apply to multi-national and international competitions. This means that if both India and Pakistan are participating in a specific tournament, Indian athletes will be permitted to take part. Similarly, the participation of Pakistani athletes in multi-national events hosted in India will also be permissible.

This policy was first implemented in August 2025, following a controversy regarding India's participation in the Asia Cup. The decision was taken in the wake of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

What did the Sports Ministry say?

The Ministry stated that, regarding participation in international events, India will prioritize the guidelines issued by the respective global sports bodies as well as the interests of its athletes. This move is particularly significant given that India is a contender to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.

With the aim of establishing India as a 'Preferred Sporting Destination,' the government has announced measures to streamline the visa process for athletes, coaches, technical staff, and officials from international sports organizations.

Officials of international sports bodies will be granted multi-entry visas—valid for a maximum of five years—on a priority basis for the duration of their tenure. Furthermore, the heads of these international organizations will be accorded full protocol and courtesies during their visits to India. Meanwhile, taking another major administrative step, the Ministry has relocated its offices from Shastri Bhawan to a new complex situated in Netaji Nagar.