Sports Ministry Clarifies: No Bilateral Sporting Ties with Pakistan

The Sports Ministry on August 21, 2025, unveiled a new policy regarding India’s international sporting engagements, specifically addressing competitions with Pakistan. According to the Ministry, India will not engage in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, either on Indian or Pakistani soil.

However, the policy makes a clear distinction between bilateral and multilateral tournaments. While direct competitions with Pakistan are ruled out, India will continue to participate in international and regional multi-nation events.

No Bilateral Sporting Ties with Pakistan: Sports Ministry Confirms

The new policy states that Indian teams will not participate in any bilateral events hosted in Pakistan, and similarly, Pakistan will not be permitted to compete in India in bilateral formats.

This move aligns with India’s broader diplomatic stance and reflects the government’s consistent approach toward Pakistan.

Asia Cup Participation to Continue Despite New Restrictions

The Ministry clarified that India’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament will not be affected by this policy, as it falls under the multilateral category.

“We will not stop the Indian cricket team from playing in Asia Cup as it is a multilateral competition,” a senior Ministry official said. He emphasized that Olympic Charter guidelines require participation in such events, and India will continue to respect them.

Multilateral Competitions in Pakistan to Be Considered Case by Case

When asked about Indian athletes traveling to Pakistan for multilateral events, the Ministry source explained that such cases would be examined individually before making a decision.

“At the same time, we cannot leave our athletes in a difficult position. But Pakistan will not be allowed bilateral sporting access to Indian soil under any circumstances,” he added.

Policy Aimed at Balancing Diplomacy and Sports Commitments

The Ministry stressed that while bilateral sporting ties remain suspended, India will not block its teams from participating in global or regional events that involve Pakistan. This balanced approach ensures athletes do not miss opportunities while maintaining India’s firm diplomatic stand.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.

You May Like

Trending Searches Today |

Modi Independence Day GST Announcement Signals Major Two-Slab Tax Reform

Govt Approves ₹4,594 Crore Semiconductor Projects in Odisha, Punjab & Andhra Pradesh

Modi US Visit for UNGA Likely Next Month, Bilateral Talks with Trump in Focus

OSSSC Cancels and Reschedules Preliminary Exam for RI, ICDS Supervisor, ARI, Amin & SFS Posts

Mahavatar Narsimha Box Office: Animated Epic Crosses ₹210 Crore Worldwide

Rajasthan Royals Hail Captain Dhruv Jurel Amid Sanju Samson’s Exit Speculation