Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association UP, supports the Indian government’s visa denial for Pakistan and Bangladesh teams, citing an incompatibility between terrorism and sports. The ISTC and South Asian Championship will feature athletes from twelve countries, while Kaushik expresses confidence in India’s performance and praises PM Modi for his support of sports.
Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association of Uttar Pradesh, expressed support for the Indian government’s decision to deny visas to the sports teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming India International Soft Tennis Championship (ISTC) and the South Asian Soft Tennis Championship 2025. Kaushik emphasized that incidents involving terrorism in those countries necessitate such measures, declaring, “Terrorism and sports can’t go together.”
The championships are scheduled to take place from March 17 to March 22, 2025, at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida and are expected to feature around 150 athletes from twelve countries, including Iran, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and India. Kaushik noted that only the Pakistan and Bangladesh teams did not participate.
Kaushik expressed confidence in Team India’s potential for victory, stating, “India is the winner of the last medal in the India International Soft Tennis; this time we are confident we will win a medal.” He also mentioned India’s upcoming participation in the World Championship in Korea.
He commended the successful organization of the ISTC and the South Asian Soft Tennis Championship in Greater Noida, highlighting the participation of players from various countries such as Hungary, Chile, and Japan, while acknowledging that facilities for international players have been well provided.
Kaushik praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to uplift sports in India through initiatives like the Fit India movement and his personal engagements with athletes before and after events. He remarked, “When our PM stands shoulder to shoulder with players, the excitement among players and federations will rise.”
In summary, Abhishek Kaushik’s statements regarding the visa denial for Pakistan and Bangladesh teams underscore a viewpoint that separates terrorism from sports. The upcoming championships in Greater Noida are anticipated to bring together numerous international athletes, with a strong endorsement of India’s sporting capability and government support. Kaushik’s appreciation of PM Modi’s role in promoting sports further highlights the positive outlook for Indian athletics as the events approach.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
