'No Problems Playing Pakistan But...': Sports Minister On India's Stand Post Terror Attack
India will host Asia Cup hockey, FIH Junior World Cup and junior shooting World Cup this year where Pakistani participation is expected.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the government's stance that Pakistan's participation in international sports events held in India will not be hindered, despite the strained relations that worsened after the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
The major events where Pakistani participation is expected include next month's men's Asia Cup hockey tournament in Bihar, the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu in November-December, and the junior shooting World Cup in New Delhi in September-October.
Mandaviya stated, 'Our stand is clear. We don't have any problems playing with Pakistan in any international sporting event, be it cricket, hockey or any other sport. But when it comes to bilateral engagements, the government position is known to all."
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has requested clearance from its government to participate in the two tournaments in India, but it remains uncertain if approval has been granted.
The sports minister confirmed, 'We have told Pakistan that we will grant them visas for the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup hockey tournaments, but it is up to their government now to decide whether to send teams or not. We have no problem."
'Both are international tournaments and every team participating will be accorded the same treatment," he added.
The Asia Cup is set to be held in Rajgir from August 27 to September 7, while the Junior World Cup is scheduled from November 28 to December 10.
The government's decision to allow Pakistan is based on the Olympic Charter, which prohibits denying participation due to political reasons. Such an act can lead to suspension of future hosting rights for that country. India is currently in the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
In cricket, India and Pakistan only play each other in global or continental tournaments with bilateral ties suspended.
Earlier this year, the Champions Trophy was held in Hybrid Model after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
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First Published:
July 14, 2025, 17:04 IST
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