New Delhi, 08 September (H.S.): No final decision has yet been taken on India’s participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation Games, which are scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. Any decision in this regard will be taken in accordance with India’s national sports policies and the guidelines of the relevant international sports federations.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media interaction in Delhi on Tuesday that India’s participation in sporting events held across the border would be decided after taking into account the country’s sporting interests and the regulations of the relevant international sports federations. He said the government has adopted a clear policy on sporting ties with Pakistan. Under this policy, bilateral sporting series with Pakistan will remain suspended, while Indian athletes will be permitted to participate in multilateral international competitions.

The issue has come into focus at a time when sporting ties between India and Pakistan remain a subject of discussion. In May, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had clarified that bilateral sporting events with Pakistan would not be permitted, while Indian athletes could participate in multilateral international competitions.

India is also taking steps to facilitate the travel of foreign athletes and officials as part of its efforts to promote the hosting of international sporting events. Under the arrangement, international athletes and sports officials will be eligible for priority processing of multiple-entry visas valid for five years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar