‘No More Future Discussions On Hosting International Events’: IOC To India After Pakistani Shooters Denied VISA

International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revoked the Olympic qualification status of Men’s 25 metre Rapid Fire Pistol Event being held in Delhi as India refused to grant visas to a Pakistani delegation participating in the event in wake of the Pulwama terrorist attacks.

This development comes after IOC was informed on 18 February 2019 that the Indian government refused to grant an entry visa to the Pakistani delegation consisting of two athletes and one official which was scheduled to participate in the International Sports Shooting Federation (ISSF) World Cup.

The two Pakistani athletes were due to compete in the men’s event, starting Saturday (23 February) in which National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of a nation can earn quotas for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Though IOC suspended withdrawal of recognition as an Olympic qualification only to the 25 metre rapid fire pistol competition and allowed other events to go on as planned, it will however temporarily end all future discussions with India on future Olympics-related events.

It noted that “this situation goes against the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter.”

No More Future Discussions

“As a result, the IOC Executive Board also decided to suspend all discussions with the Indian NOC and government regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and Olympic-related events in India, until clear written guarantees are obtained from the Indian government to ensure the entry of all participants in such events in full compliance with the rules of the Olympic Charter – and to recommend that the IFs neither award to nor hold sports events in India until the above-mentioned guarantees are obtained,” a statement by the Committee said.

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