International Olympic Committee Suspends India From Hosting Olympic Qualifying Events

New Delhi: In a major setback for India, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday suspended all Indian applications to host future Olympic-related events until New Delhi guarantees in writing the entry of all participants.

The IOC measure comes after two Pakistani shooters were denied visas to compete in the ISSF Shooting World Cup, starting here on Saturday, which also resulted in the scrapping of two of the 16 Tokyo Olympic quota places on offer in the marquee tournament.

"Since becoming aware of the issue, and in spite of intense last-minute efforts and discussions with the Indian government authorities, no solution has been found to allow the Pakistani delegation to enter India in time to compete," the IOC statement said.

"As a result, the IOC Executive Board also decided to suspend all discussions with the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) and government regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and Olympic-related events in India," it added.

The global sports governing body also urged all international sports federations not to hold events in India, or grant hosting rights to the country for future competitions, until the government had provided "clear written guarantees" to ensure access for all athletes.

The IOC also stated that the men's 25-metre rapid fire pistol category, in which the two Pakistanis - G.M. Bashir and Khalil Ahmed - were due to take part, is not a part of the Olympic qualifying process. IANS

Also Read: Sports News