While not quite a setback, the stern warning issued on various fronts by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to the IOA (Indian Olympic Association), if it wishes to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad, has come as a wake-up call.

The most significant from the government’s point of view is the IOC’s firm statement that no country or individual can be barred from competing in multinational sporting events on Indian soil by denial of visas, as this would amount to a violation of the Olympic Charter.

This has caused a major rethink on the part of the government, which had announced a ban on visas to Pakistanis. In the recent past, it had barred teams and individuals from both Pakistan........

© Free Press Journal