India Maintains Ban on Bilateral Sports with Pakistan but Welcomes Multilateral Participation

The Sports Ministry of India has reaffirmed its ban on bilateral sporting events with Pakistan while allowing athletes from Pakistan to participate in multilateral competitions hosted in India. This decision aims to position India as a preferred destination for international sports. The ministry is also committed to simplifying the visa process for athletes and officials, ensuring a welcoming environment for global sporting events. The policy reflects India's aspirations to host significant international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. For more insights on this policy and its implications, read the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 16:24 IST

Continued Ban on Bilateral Sports Events

On Wednesday, the Sports Ministry confirmed that the existing ban on bilateral sporting relations with Pakistan, established last year, will continue. However, athletes from Pakistan will not be barred from participating in multilateral events held in India.

The ministry emphasized its dedication to streamlining the visa application process for athletes, team officials, technical staff, and representatives of international sports organizations, aiming to make India a favored location for sports.

According to a circular sent to various National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian teams will not compete in events hosted in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be allowed to play in India.

For international and multilateral competitions, whether in India or abroad, the ministry stated that it will follow the guidelines set by international sports organizations and prioritize the interests of Indian athletes.

Thus, Indian teams and individual athletes will participate in international events that include teams or players from Pakistan. Likewise, Pakistani athletes will be permitted to take part in such multilateral events organized in India.

This policy was first introduced last August following public outcry regarding India's involvement in the Asia Cup cricket tournament in the UAE, which included Pakistan, shortly after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities.

At that time, the Ministry clarified that it would not obstruct multilateral cricket events unless Pakistan was the host nation.

The policy also indicates India's ambition to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and the Olympic Games in 2036, adhering to the Olympic Charter's principles of inclusivity to showcase itself as a welcoming host for global sporting events.

To enhance India's appeal as a venue for international sports, the ministry plans to simplify the visa process for athletes, officials, and representatives of international sports governing bodies.

For officials of these organizations, a multi-entry visa will be prioritized for the duration of their official roles, with a maximum validity of five years.

Additionally, proper protocol and courtesies will be extended to the heads of international sports governing bodies during their visits to India.

In a related update, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has relocated its office from Shastri Bhawan to a newly built facility in Netaji Nagar.