Why Kosovo boxer barred? OCA asks sports minister

NEW DELHI: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Ahmad Al-fahad Al-sabah wrote to sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Thursday saying not giving visa to Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku to participate in the Women’s World Championships could hurt India’s chances of hosting international events in future.

Drawing Rathore’s attention to the Spanish government’s decision to grant athletes from Kosovo the same rights as other nationalities during international events in Spain, Al-sabah referred to the Olympic charter and the OCA constitution that make it mandatory for host nations to provide visa to “every eligible athlete without any discrimination.”

Spain, like India, also does not recognise Kosovo, a disputed territory in South Eastern Europe. Kosovo athletes were not allowed to participate in the karate world championship in Madrid last week.

It immediately drew the ire of the International Olympic Committee. Kosovo participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics despite not having diplomatic ties with Brazil.

Al-sabah said the ban on Kosovo could jeopardize India’s chances of hosting an Asian Games or an Olympiad. The Indian Olympic Association plans to bid for the 2026 Youth Olympics.

Top sources said the sports ministry has already brought the Kosovo issue to the notice of the Ministry of External Affairs, that decides on all matters relating to international relationships.

PATNA PIRATES WIN

MUMBAI: PARDEEP Narwal starred with excellent raids to guide Patna Pirates to a close 38-35 win over Dabang Delhi in a thrilling Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match. Pardeep led Patna with an excellent raiding performance as he scored 16 points and was ably supported by Manjeet (8 points).