New Delhi: India is not expected to bar Pakistani athletes from entering the country for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, according to reports citing senior government officials. The decision is seen as an effort to avoid possible sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and protect India’s prospects of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Officials reportedly clarified that while India maintains a firm stance against engaging Pakistan in bilateral sporting events, it will continue to abide by international obligations in multi-nation tournaments. The move comes in light of the IOC’s recent action against Indonesia, which faced sanctions after denying entry to Israeli athletes for a gymnastics championship in Jakarta.
Government sources indicated that the leadership was aware that restricting Pakistan’s participation could jeopardize India’s global sporting ambitions. Avoiding such a diplomatic misstep is viewed as critical, especially as Ahmedabad prepares to host the Commonwealth Games and India seeks to project itself as a responsible and credible future Olympic host.
The decision follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year, which claimed 26 civilian lives. India’s subsequent military operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following the attack, New Delhi reaffirmed that no bilateral sporting ties would resume with Pakistan, except under the framework of international tournaments.
Despite public criticism in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, the government is standing by its approach, seeing it as a pragmatic balance between national security concerns and international sports diplomacy. Officials emphasized that political disputes should not interfere with multilateral sporting commitments.
Meanwhile, Pakistan recently withdrew from the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup scheduled in India, despite having earlier confirmed its participation. India, however, remains committed to ensuring the 2030 Commonwealth Games proceed without political disruptions, positioning the event as a stepping stone toward its larger Olympic aspirations.
