Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association UP, expressed support for the Indian government’s visa denials to Pakistan and Bangladesh teams, stating that terrorism and sports cannot coexist. Kaushik highlighted the upcoming Soft Tennis Championships in Greater Noida, revealing that players from fifteen nations will participate, except for the aforementioned teams. He concluded with high expectations for India’s performance and praised PM Modi’s impact on sports.
Abhishek Kaushik, the President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association of Uttar Pradesh, voiced his approval of the Indian government’s decision to deny visas to the Pakistan and Bangladesh teams ahead of the India International Soft Tennis Championship (ISTC) and the South Asian Soft Tennis Championship 2025. He stated, “Terrorism and sports can’t go together,” emphasizing the ongoing issues in both countries.
The tournaments are set to take place at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida from March 17 to 22, 2025. Approximately 150 athletes from twelve nations, including Iran, Cambodia, Japan, and Thailand, are expected to participate. Kaushik reiterated, “This is a decision of the Government, and we welcome it,” demonstrating support for the government’s stance due to incidents associated with terrorism.
Kaushik expressed confidence in India’s prospects, recalling that India was the champion of the first ISTC, stating, “We are confident we will win a medal.” He also mentioned India’s upcoming World Championship participation in Korea.
The successful organization of the championships has attracted players from countries such as Hungary, Chile, and Nepal, while Pakistan and Bangladesh remain the sole absentees. Kaushik acknowledged that athletes from other nations are pleased with the arrangement, noting that all facilities are adequately provided for the event.
In addition, Kaushik praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to advancing sports, including engagement with athletes before and after competitions. He remarked, “When our PM stands shoulder to shoulder with players, the excitement among players and federations will rise,” highlighting the positive impact of the Prime Minister’s involvement in sports.
In conclusion, Abhishek Kaushik’s statements underscore the intertwining of governmental policies and international sporting events. Emphasizing the incompatibility of terrorism with sports, he supports the Indian government’s visa denials for the teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh. His confidence in India’s performance is mirrored in his appreciation for the ongoing support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further enhancing the sports environment in India.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com