IOC suspends discussions on hosting potential Olympic-related sporting events in India

In a chain of incidents, two Pakistan shooters and their coach were rejected Visa to participate in the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi following the Pulwama terror attack that caused casualties of about 40 CRPF personnel after a sequence of convoys carrying them was bombarded by a suicide bomber vehicle. The Pakistan participants were initially approved visas to travel by the Indian commission but they were soon revoked and then rejected. 

"This situation goes against the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter, in particular the principles of non-discrimination, as well as the IOC’s and the Olympic Movement’s position, reiterated on many occasions over the past few years, that equal treatment must be guaranteed for all participating athletes and sporting delegations at international sports events, without any form of discrimination or political interference from the host country," the IOC statement read, reported ToI.

The IOC has stipulated the International Sports Federation not to award or conduct sporting events in India unless the Government of India provides assurance for participants. The committee also revoked the Olympic qualification status for the Men's 25m Rapid Fire pistol event that reduced the quota places from 16 to 14 in the ongoing ISSF World Cup.

"As a result, the IOC Executive Board also decided to suspend all discussions with the Indian NOC and government regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and Olympic-related events in India, until clear written guarantees are obtained from the Indian government to ensure the entry of all participants in such events in full compliance with the rules of the Olympic Charter,” the statement added.