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After Operation Sindoor and cross-border tension between the two neighbours, uncertainty loomed over the participation of Pakistan in the tournament hosted by India. (File)
Pakistan hockey teams have got the Indian government’s clearance to travel for the men’s Asia Cup in August and the Junior World Cup in November-December, a sports ministry source confirmed. The men’s Asia Cup will be held in Rajgir, Bihar, next month while the Junior World Cup will be held in Chennai and Madurai in November-December.
After Operation Sindoor and cross-border tension between the two neighbours, uncertainty loomed over the participation of Pakistan in the tournament hosted by India.
“While India won’t be involved in the bilateral engagement with Pakistan, we won’t be stopping them from participating in the multi-national tournaments India is hosting,” the source said. “Stopping any nation from participating in international tournaments due to border conflicts violates the Olympic charter, and it is not a good representation of India. For instance, Russia and Ukraine are at war, but they show up at multi-national events and compete as well. We are just following the standard norm,” the source added.
The violation of the Olympic Charter, by blocking any rival nation’s participation, can hamper India’s chances of hosting future tournaments. India is aiming to become hosts of the 2036 Olympic Games.
However, in cricket, India and Pakistan don’t play bilateral series and at International Cricket Council events hosted by one of the two countries, the teams play each other at a neutral venue.
In the junior World Cup, Pakistan and India are in the same pool. The Men’s Asia Cup also serves as a 2026 Hockey World Cup qualifier.
The ministry’s decision also clears the deck for Pakistan’s participation in the junior World Cup of shooting, scheduled in Delhi in September, and the World Para-Athletics Championships, also in the national capital in September-October.
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Water Sports Festival
The ministry has decided to add the Khelo India Water Sports Festival to the Khelo India Umbrella. The event will be held in Dal Lake with five events — Canoeing and Kayaking, Rowing, Water Skiing, Dragon Boat race and Shikara race.
The open-age competition is expected to see 400-plus athletes from the 36 states and Union Territories in action. The nomination of athletes will be made by the National Sports Federation based on the results of their national championships or other suitable events, or as decided by the Games Technical Conduct Committee on a merit basis.
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