Pakistan has announced a strict new policy that will likely prevent its teams from taking part in any upcoming sports events hosted by India. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) issued a fresh directive on July 25, stating that all national sports federations must seek special approval before confirming participation in any Indian event.
This policy shift comes after the PSB’s 34th board meeting, where officials expressed concern over the safety and security of Pakistani athletes and officials traveling to India.
Pakistan Skips Sports Events in India as New Rule Blocks Participation
The rule doesn’t fully ban participation, but it places strict limits on travel to India. Without official clearance from the PSB, no Pakistani team can take part in any competition across the border. As a result, Pakistan is now expected to skip several high-profile events, including the Hockey Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India soon.
Officials say the new rule is about prioritizing safety. The PSB wants to evaluate all risks carefully before sending any team abroad. Especially to countries where political or security tensions might create problems for players or officials.
This move is expected to impact sporting ties between Pakistan and India. Which have already seen limited engagement in recent years. Many sports fans fear that such policies will reduce the opportunities for athletes to compete on international platforms. And may widen the gap between regional teams.
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Even so, the PSB has made it clear: athlete safety will always come first. Any decision to allow travel will be based strictly on security assessments and official review.
