The fifth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League will commence from 25 June in Pune. The Puneri Paltans and Telugu Titans will kick things off, as the super popular league will look to have another great season of excitement and entertainment. Now, sports minister Vijay Goel, has given a huge update on the status of Pakistani players in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Goel and his team have made it clear that, Pakistani players will not be allowed to compete in the Pro Kabaddi league. The Indian government has made it clear that it will not engage in any sporting ties with Pakistan, until the time they stop ‘sponsoring terrorism’.
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“They (organisers) can call them but they can’t make them play. Even if they are selected, it is government of India which will decide whether they are allowed or not. Unless Pakistan gets rid of terrorism, it is impossible to play with Pakistan,” sports minister Vijay Goel said.
Diplomatic tensions between the two countries have prevented Pakistani sportsmen from playing in India. The issue first came to light in the IPL. While Pakistani players were allowed to play in the first edition, no one was allowed to participate from the second season on wards.
It is a pity that sports is getting affected by these politics. Cricket, hockey and now kabaddi is the latest sport to turn a blind eye towards Pakistan. Unfortunately, the fans are the ones who ultimately lose out, as they do not get the chance to see some of the best sports persons in the world.
