The Olympics brand could be seen exterior the Worldwide Olympic Committee workplace. — IOC
KARACHI: The Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) has as soon as once more reaffirmed that sport should stay politically impartial and proceed serving as a pressure to unite the world in peaceable competitors — a message that may be seen as a blow to India, which has repeatedly held its sporting ties with Pakistan hostage to politics.
In its newest assertion, the IOC Govt Board introduced the formation of a Working Group on the Safety of the Elementary Rules of Olympism.
The brand new physique, a part of the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” course of, will give attention to making certain that the Olympic Video games and worldwide sports activities stay politically impartial.
“The IOC deeply believes that differences between nations must be resolved through dialogue, not violence,” the assertion mentioned.
Highlighting its concern over the rising politicisation of sport, the IOC added: “The IOC is concerned by the disruption of competitions across the world, the restriction of access to host countries for athletes, and the boycotting and cancellation of competitions due to political tensions.”
Reaffirming the necessity for neutrality, the assertion recalled that the Olympic Constitution mandates: “Sports organi[s]ations within the Olympic Movement shall apply political neutrality.”
It additionally famous that the United Nations has repeatedly backed this place, stressing that the autonomy of sport and neutrality of the IOC are important for international unity.
The IOC underlined the function of athletes, saying: “Athletes have an incredible opportunity to showcase the Olympic values and play the role of peace ambassadors in line with the Fundamental Principles of Olympism.”
This emphasis on neutrality shines a highlight on India’s conduct, the place sports activities ties with Pakistan have usually been caught up in political disputes. Through the years, Indian authorities have denied visas to Pakistani gamers in blind cricket, scrabble, snooker, and squash.
Soccer and cricket groups have additionally confronted last-minute visa clearances, whereas Indian cricketers not too long ago made headlines for refusing to shake arms with their Pakistani counterparts — an act broadly criticised as unsportsmanlike.
It additionally refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy and has lengthy refused to play bilateral cricket with Pakistan as effectively.
