Reports | No change in IOCās stand on India after executive board meeting
According to a TOI report, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)ās executive board has decided to stick to its stand on India being the host for international tournaments. The IOC had also asked the Indian government to give a āwritten guaranteeā on participation of players from all countries.
After the Pakistani shooters were not granted visas for their participation in the ISSF World Cup held in Delhi earlier this year after the Pulwama attack, the IOC has decided to put a hold on the organisation of international sporting events in the country. Recently, the executive board of the international committee had a meeting in Lausanne till March 28, in which it has been decided that the board will stick to its previous decision.Ā
"It (IOC's stance) has not changed after the Executive Board meeting," the IOC said, replying to a mail by TOI.
"Following the IOC EB decision on 21 February, the IOC has written to all IFs (International Federations) and the situation is being examined accordingly by each IF so that appropriate action can be taken on a case-by-case basis, if and when necessary."
"In parallel, the IOC is in close contact with the Indian NOC to urge the Indian government to provide all the necessary written guarantees as required in the IOC EB decision."
As far as the international sporting events are concerned, FIH Hockey Series Finals is the next big event to be held in India. However, with Pakistan not being a part of the tournament, it is expected not to be affected by IOCās decision as the international committee had already clarified that it will take actions on a ācase-by-caseā basis. The tournament, which is an Olympic qualifier event, is scheduled to be played from June 6 to 17 in Bhubaneswar.
President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), who is also the FIH president has confirmed that the IOA is in constant touch with the IOC to solve the issue soon.
"Talks are being held with the IOC. Updates can't be provided on a day-to-day basis but discussions are on," Batra told TOI.
On the other hand, the United World Wrestling has decided not to organise the Junior Asian Championship, which was scheduled to be played July this year, in India.