PAK SHOOTERS VISA ROW: Senior Indian official fears Olympic isolation

NEW DELHI: A senior Indian Olympic official warned Friday that the country faced isolation after it was effectively barred from hosting Olympic-related events for refusing visas to Pakistani shooters.

The International Olympic Committee said it had frozen talks over organising major events in India and told sports federations not to hold tournaments there until the row was resolved.

The IOC demanded “clear written guarantees... from the Indian government to ensure the entry of all participants” after Pakistan said two shooters and a coach were denied visas to compete at a World Cup shooting event in New Delhi.

It follows India’s claims that Pakistan was involved in the February 14 suicide bombing in held Kashmir that killed 40 paramilitary soldiers.

“In addition to not being able to host events in India, there may be problems for our athletes to take part in international events,” Indian Olympic Association secretary general Rajeev Mehta told the Press Trust of India news agency.

“We will approach the government again so that the situation does not reach that far,” he added.

“The country’s image has been lowered. If the Indian government does not give guarantees within 15 to 20 days, another letter may come from IOC.”

India last year said it wanted to bid for the 2026 Youth Olympics, the 2030 Asian Games and the 2032 Olympics as it seeks a higher profile to match its growing economic clout.