IOC lifts India ban after Pakistan visa assurances

In this file photo, the logo of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is seen at the sports governing body’s headquarters in Pully near Lausanne on May 22, 2019. (AFP)

• Ban removed after Indian government’s assurance they will in future respect the Olympic charter
• India triggered standoff with IOC when it refused to allow Pakistan to attend Tokyo 2020 Games competition

LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee has lifted a ban on India hosting international sporting events after receiving assurances over visas for Pakistani competitors.
In February, India triggered a standoff with the IOC when it refused to allow Pakistani shooters attend a Tokyo 2020 Games qualifying competition.
But on Thursday, IOC president Thomas Bach said India were now back in the Olympic fold.
“We have received the assurance of the Indian government that they will in future respect the Olympic charter and that they will give permission to enter India for all athletes who want to participate in the relevant Olympic events or qualifications events,” Bach announced.
The Olympic chief continued: “For this reason, the (IOC) Executive Board has today (Thursday) lifted this suspension of India to organize international sports events.”
India had accused Pakistan of involvement in a suicide bombing in Kashmir in February that killed 40 paramilitary soldiers and had vowed to “isolate” its arch-rival neighbor over the attack.