Government relents, gives written guarantee to IOC over athlete participation

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 18

The Government of India has tendered an unconditional guarantee to International Olympic Committee (IOC) clearing the path for international tournaments to return to India.

In February, the IOC put all discussions regarding India hosting international events on hold after Pakistani shooters, GM Bashir and Khalil Ahmed, were denied visa documents to travel to New Delhi for the ISSF World Cup in the aftermath of Pulwama attack where over 44 CRPF jawans were martyred.

The IOC had then revoked Olympic qualification status of 25m Rapid Fire event and then suspended all discussions with India regarding potential applications to host Olympic-related events in India and advised all its affiliated International Federations (IFs) to neither award nor hold sports 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”.

India had previously denied visa to Kosovo’s Donjeta Sakiku for the 2018 Women’s World Championship.

IOC deemed both the incidents against the Olympic Charter. However, the new government has quickly moved to quell the fears.

In a letter addressed to Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra and also addressed to IOC president Thomas Bach, sports secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya said India was committed that no athlete will be barred from participation in India.

‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

“It is the policy of government that India will hold international sporting events and will permit all qualified athletes belonging to any National Olympic Committee recognised by the IOC or any national federation affiliated to International Federation concerned to participate. 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,” Julaniya wrote.

“This stated policy of Government of India guarantees the participation of all eligible athletes, sportspersons and officials in international sporting events organised in India under the auspices of the IOC. 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 the 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 future international sporting events by India,” he added.