Football and tennis in focus as Sports Ministry mulls approval to OCI athletes
India's lack of growth in sports like football and tennis has often led to criticism of the ban on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card-holders from representing the country in 2008. Only Indian passport-holders are allowed to compete for the nation.
A ministry source said a revocation of that ban is being considered to ensure that 'India's sporting ecosystem can be strengthened'.
The discussion is, however, at a very early stage and would involve thorough 'exchange of ideas' between the stakeholders.
The deliberation has mainly revolved around football and tennis.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been particularly keen on allowing OCIs even though there are no major names who can be considered for India even if the ban is revoked.
'It is just a preliminary discussion at this point, it would take a lot of time for anything to move on this front,' the source said.
In tennis, the legendary Vijay Amritraj's son Prakash was among the prominent US passport-holders who could not play for India because of the ban on OCI card-holders.
'There is no harm in reconsidering because we would like the best of our talent to be able to represent us. But again, it's a very long road,' the source said.
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