The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday issued a fresh circular clarifying India’s stance on sporting engagements with Pakistan. The ministry confirmed that the blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties, initially imposed last year, remains in force.
Under this policy, Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for competitions, and Pakistani teams will not be permitted to play bilateral matches on Indian soil. This directive has been communicated to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Exceptions for International and Multilateral Events
While bilateral series remain frozen, the ministry carved out a clear exception for multilateral and international tournaments. Following the principles of international sports bodies and the Olympic Charter, Indian athletes will continue to compete in global events that include Pakistani participants. Conversely, Pakistani athletes and teams will be allowed to enter India to participate in multilateral events hosted by the country. This policy ensures that India’s aspirations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games are not jeopardized by non-compliance with international inclusivity standards.
Visa Simplification to Boost India as a Sporting Hub
In a strategic move to position India as a “preferred sporting destination,” the ministry also announced plans to simplify the visa process. This streamlined approach will benefit sportspersons, technical personnel, and high-ranking officials of International Sports Governing Bodies. Notably, heads of these international bodies will be granted multi-entry visas for the duration of their official tenure, up to a maximum of five years, ensuring a more welcoming environment for global sports leadership.
Legacy of the 2025 Policy and Office Relocation
The current stance is a continuation of the policy established in August 2025 following the security concerns raised after the Pahalgam terror attack. The ministry reiterated that while it will not block multilateral engagements, it remains firm on avoiding any event where Pakistan serves as the primary host. Additionally, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced it has officially moved its headquarters from Shastri Bhawan to a newly constructed facility in Netaji Nagar, marking a fresh chapter for the administration.