It appears that the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is in no mood to restore sports ties with Pakistan as the country’s five-member cycling team, which is due to participate in the Asian Cycling Championship set to get underway in New Delhi on June 18, 2022, has not been issued visas as yet, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.  

Pakistan Cycling Federation Secretary Moazzam Khan has said that the Pakistani squad is due to leave for the Indian capital on June 15 to participate in the event which will conclude on June 22.

Federation President Azhar Shah, on the other hand, has said that the Indian embassy in Islamabad has already been e-mailed several times for the issuance of visas, but there is no response from them. “Suppose if Pakistan’s team gets visas on June 17, just a day before the start of the championship, how they will get ready at such a short notice,” he wondered.

He has said if Pakistani cyclists are not issued visas, the Federation will raise its voice on all forums.

Reporter: Mehmood Riaz