OPINION Denying visas on political grounds violates Olympic charter, may risk future hosting rights, and impact India’s global stature in sports

The Sports Ministry has tried to put the record straight by citing International Sporting Principles and Precedents.

The recent controversy over India allowing junior Pakistan hockey team to take part in an international event has raised a few eyebrows in India. The Sports Ministry has tried to put the record straight by citing International Sporting Principles and Precedents.

Olympic Charter Mandate

Sources in the sports Ministry said that the Olympic Charter states that every individual must have access to the practice of sport without discrimination of any kind, in line with internationally recognized human rights.

Non-Discrimination Principle

The Charter prohibits discrimination based on nationality, ensuring all qualified athletes can participate in international competitions, regardless of political relations between countries.

Political Neutrality of Sport

The Olympic Movement emphasizes autonomy and independence from political interference. Denying visas on political grounds violates this principle.

Impact on Future Hosting Rights

Failure to grant visas can lead to international isolation and loss of hosting rights for future events.

International Precedent

There are many precedents of IOC Sanctions on India. India denied visas to athletes from Kosovo in 2018 for participation in World Boxing Championship 2018. India denied visa to 2 athletes and one official from Pakistan for participation in ISSF Rifle/Pistol Word Cup in 2019.

International Olympic Committee in its letter on 21.2.2019 informed that its Executive Board took following decisions:

(i) Suspend all discussions with Indian NOC and Government regarding potential applications for hosting future events and Olympic related events in India, until clear written guarantees are obtained from Indian Government to ensure the entry of all participants in events in full compliance with the rules of the Olympic Charter.

(ii)  Revoke the Olympic qualification status of the specific event ( men’s 25 meter Rapid Fire Pistol)

(iii) Recommend that international federations neither award to or hold sports events in India until guarantees are obtained.

There are a few International Precedents as well. In 2019 World Para Swimming Championships, Malaysia denied visas to Israeli athletes. The IPC stripped Malaysia of hosting rights, reinforcing the expectation that hosts must allow entry to all qualified athletes. The event was moved to London & the IPC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and the separation of sport and politics

United Arab Emirates in 2009 denied visa to Israeli Tennis Player, Shahar Pe'er in Dubai Tennis Championships. The WTA fined Dubai organizers and required future compliance. The following year, visas were granted after international pressure.

India at 2019 ISSF World Cup, India denied visas to Pakistani shooters post-Pulwama attack. The IOC suspended India’s right to host Olympic qualifiers until assurances were given for future non-discrimination.

These examples and principles demonstrate that international sporting bodies expect host nations to grant visas to all eligible athletes, regardless of political tensions. Denying visas on political grounds is contrary to the Olympic Charter and global sporting norms and can result in sanctions or loss of hosting rights.

At the time when India is all set to bid and campaign to win rights to Host Olympic games in 2036, the sports ministry is leaving no stone unturned to ensure no obstacles remain in that path.