No visa for Pak wrestlers: Goel justifies move

New Delhi, May 3
Politics and terrorism have further strained the sporting ties between India and Pakistan. And the prestigious Asian Wrestling Championship, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 10-14, has become the latest event to lose some sheen because of it. A four-member Pakistan wrestling contingent has been denied visa by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, and the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) has blamed it on the latest round of hostilities on the border.
Confirming the denial of visa to the Pakistan squad, Sports Minister Vijay Goel said today that there can’t be any sporting ties between the two neighbours until the Pakistani establishment stop promoting terror activities. Goel said the current environment wasn’t conducive to host a Pakistani team.
“Tell me, in the current situation, how could they come and participate?” asked Goel. “Terrorism and sports can’t go hand-in-hand. Pakistan must understand that. The relations between India and Pakistan can get cordial only after Pakistan stops sponsoring terrorism. An incident like the beheading of two of our soldiers is unacceptable,” the Minister said.
A couple of days before denying visa to the Pakistan wrestlers, the Indian High Commission had also rejected the visa application of the Pakistani squash players for the Asian Individual Squash Championship in Chennai. In other sports, too, India haven’t been playing Pakistan in bilateral series and invitational tournaments that aren’t part of the sport’s world governing body’s calendar.
PWF has threatened to lodge a protest with the game’s world governing body, United World Wrestling. However, Goel remained firm about India’s stand. “Pakistan is free to say anything and approach anyone. The whole world knows their attitude towards terrorism. So, India’s stand is clear.” he said.