Terrorism and sports can't go hand in hand, says Vijay Goel

Sports Minister Vijay Goel today said until and unless Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism there cannot be any bilateral sporting ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Goel's statement came in the backdrop of India denying visas to the strife-torn nation's squash and wrestling teams, which were scheduled to participate in Asian Championships here.

'Terrorism and sports can't go along and Pakistan should understand that. The relation between India and Pakistan can be cordial only after Pakistan stops sponsoring cross-border terrorism,' Goel told reporters on the sidelines of the announcement of National Youth Awards here.

'India take these things very seriously. We are not at loss, our decision to stop bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan will force Pakistani people to put pressure on their government to act against terrorism. 'The entire world knows Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism,' he added.

Pakistan Wrestling Federation had yesterday claimed that its national team was denied visa by the Indian High Commission for the upcoming Asian Championship scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 10-14.

The development comes a few days after the Pakistan Squash Federation claimed that the Indian High Commission had not issued visas for the Asian Individual Squash Championship in Chennai.

Last December, Pakistan Junior hockey team was also not issued visas for the FIH Junior World Cup in Lucknow.

Talking about the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, to be held in the country later this year, Goel said he is personally keeping a track of the preparations at different venues for the mega-event.

'After my people gave me to report that things are not going well with regard to preparation (of FIFA World Cup) I myself decided to visit different venues. I met the Sports Minister and Chief Minister of Kerala recently. I will visit Kolkata on May 5,' he said.

'I have instructed all the stakeholders that everything needs to be in order by the deadline of May 15. I am confident that everything will be in place,' the minister said.