Government of India assures IOA, IOC regarding participation of eligible athletes in sporting events

06/19/2019

The Government of India has given a written assurance to the Indian Olympic Association and International Olympic Committee that all eligible athletes will be allowed to take part in sporting events in India. The IOC had stopped discussions with India regarding hosting of international events.

After the Pulwama Terror Attack in February this year, the Pakistani shooters were not granted a visa for the ISSF World Cup in Delhi. As a result of which, the IOC had suspended discussions with India regarding the hosting of major sporting events in the country. However, in an important development, the union sports ministry has now given an assurance to both the Indian and international Olympic bodies that all athletes who are eligible will be allowed to take part in any events of these kinds.

Union Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Jhulaniya has written a letter to the IOA president Narinder Batra which says, India will “permit all qualified athletes belonging to any National Olympic Committee recognised by IOC or any national federation affiliated to International Federation concerned to participate”.

The letter, a copy of which is marked to IOC president Thomas Bach, further read, “Such participation of athletes shall be without prejudice to our principled positions and policies on other political matters including issues such as international recognition or otherwise of the country of origin of the athletes. This stated policy of the Government of India guarantees the participation of all eligible athletes, sportspersons and officials in international sporting events organised in India under the auspices of IOC.”

In 2018, India had not allowed Kosova’s female boxer Donjeta Sadiku during the World Women’s Championships in New Delhi as India does not recognise Kosova as a nation. However, now the central government has mentioned that it gives high importance to the development of sports in the country.

“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 sporting capabilities of our people through our association with the IOC and based on the values and principles of Olympic Charter,” Jhulaniya wrote in the letter.

“Such commitment of the Government of India stems from our world view of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The World is one family’ which, in essence, is also the spirit behind International Olympic Movement. We look forward to co-operating with the IOC to resolve any matter in the light of our communication on the hosting of international sporting events by India.”

Batra also expressed his happiness with the recent development and thanked each one of them who tried to resolve this issue in Indian sports soon.

“My sincere thanks to Ajay Singh, President of Boxing Federation of India for all his support. My thanks also goes to the office bearers, Executive Board and all the members of IOA for their unconditional support and trust in me, which motivated and encouraged me in resolving the issue,” Batra was quoted as saying by PTI.

“The Hon’ble Sports Minister and the Secretary, Sports were extremely positive and helpful for an urgent and immediate resolution of the issue.”