India’s New Sports Policy on Pakistan: No Bilateral Matches, Only Multinational Engagements
Policy Shift in Sports Diplomacy The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has announced a major policy reform regarding India’s sporting engagement with Pakistan. As per the new directive, Indian athletes and teams will not participate in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan , nor will they travel to the country for competitions. Similarly, Pakistani teams will not be permitted to play bilateral events in India . However, the policy makes a distinction between bilateral and multinational events. India has clarified that its athletes will be allowed to compete in international and multilateral tournaments where Pakistani players or teams are also participating. This ensures that India remains in alignment with international sporting practices while maintaining its political stance. Context Behind the Policy The announcement comes in the backdrop of rising tensions following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 ...