Pakistan has declined an invitation to participate in the upcoming Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi, opting not to send a team for the continental event. The championships, scheduled to begin on June 19 at Bharat Mandapam, will be hosted by India for the first time.
The development comes despite India maintaining that Pakistani athletes would be welcome to compete in multilateral events. Speaking to PTI, Fencing Association of India (FAI) Secretary General Rajeev Mehta confirmed that Pakistan chose not to submit entries for the competition before the registration deadline.
“We sent an invite to Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, to participate in the championships but they chose not to send their fencers. The deadline for sending entries is long over and we are now in the process of procuring visas for the athletes and officials,” Mehta said.
Last month, the Sports Ministry reiterated that while the ban on bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remains in place, athletes from the neighbouring country would not be prevented from participating in international multi-nation events held in India. However, Pakistan ultimately decided against sending a contingent for the championships.
The Asian Senior Fencing Championships are expected to feature competitors from more than 30 countries across Asia and Oceania. Nearly 100 delegates and technical officials are also set to attend the event, which will serve as one of the biggest fencing competitions ever hosted in India.
The tournament will also coincide with the General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA), marking the first time the continental body’s leadership will convene in India. Interim International Fencing Federation (FIE) president Abdelmoneim El Husseiny is also expected to attend the gathering.
VISA HURDLES FOR PARTICIPATING NATIONS
While preparations for the championships are progressing according to plan, organisers are continuing to address visa-related concerns affecting a few participating countries.
“Preparations for the championship are progressing smoothly, with coordination being undertaken alongside international and national authorities to ensure world-class event management and athlete experience,” Mehta said.
“However, a few participating nations are currently facing visa-related challenges. The delegations and officials from Hong Kong are experiencing difficulties in securing timely visa appointments due to limited appointment slot availability at the visa application centre.
“Additionally, the Australian delegation has also encountered visa-related issues following rejections of certain visa applications, and necessary coordination efforts are underway with the concerned authorities to facilitate their participation in the championship.”
Despite the challenges, organisers remain optimistic about the event’s impact. Mehta said the championships are expected to provide a significant boost to fencing in India, inspire a new generation of athletes and strengthen the country’s reputation as a host of major international sporting events.
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