India Is Ready To Host Athletes And Officials From All Countries: Government

On June 18, the Government Of India gave out a written undertaking to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it will permit athletes from various countries to participate in India “without any prejudice to our principled positions and policies on other political matters.”

Participation Of Athletes Without Any Prejudice

The written document mentioned, “The Government of India has always attached high importance to the development of sports in the country and the hosting of international sporting events. It is the vision of our Government to enhance the sporting capabilities of our people through our association with the IOC, and based on the values and principles of the Olympic Charter.”

This decision cleared all the rumours of India’s hosting rights of International Sports including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers in the country.

The step was taken to assure the commitment of people from the global view of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or ‘The world is one family’ which is also the spirit of the International Olympic Movement.

India’s Stance In The Past

In the past, IOC had suspended India’s hosting rights after the government had rejected visas of the Pakistan Team members for the Shooting World Cup, in the wake of Pulwama Terror Attack. A female Kosovan boxer’s visa was rejected as the government did not recognise Kosovo as a nation.

The current stance by the Government is also expected to increase chances for Pakistan women’s cricket team to visit India for a bilateral ODI series.

The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) had reached out to the sports ministry in May seeking permission to host Pakistan’s women’s team, and the decision was to be taken by the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA) Court.

Future Bid To Big-Ticket Events

Sports secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya wrote to Indian Olympic’s Association(IOA) and the chief Thomas Bach. “It’s the policy of the government that India will hold international sporting events and will permit all qualified athletes belonging to any National Olympic Committee recognised by IOC or any national federation affiliated to the international federation concerned to participate,” the letter mentioned.

“Such participation of athletes shall be without prejudice to out principled positions and policies on other political matters including issues such as international recognition or otherwise of the country of origin of the athletes.” the letter read.

The letter also highlighted the importance of the development of sports and the enhancement of the sporting capabilities to the government.

India recently submitted an Expression of Interest to host the 2026 Youth Olympics and 2032 Olympics. The IOA is also looking forward to hosting the 2030 Asian Games to India.

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