Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association UP, expressed support for the Indian government’s denial of visas to teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing terrorism as an incompatible element with sports. The second India International Soft Tennis Championship and the first South Asian Soft Tennis Championship 2025 will feature around 150 athletes from various countries, excluding Pakistan and Bangladesh. Kaushik also praised PM Narendra Modi’s support for Indian sports initiatives and the enthusiasm it generates among athletes.
Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association UP, expressed his views on the visa denial for teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh concerning their participation in the upcoming India International Soft Tennis Championship (ISTC) and the South Asian Soft Tennis Championship 2025. He stated that this decision rests with the Indian government and is welcomed due to the ongoing incidents related to terrorism in those countries. Kaushik emphasized that terrorism and sports cannot coexist peacefully.
The ISTC and South Asian Soft Tennis Championship are being held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida from March 17 to 22, 2025. The tournaments have garnered participation from approximately 150 athletes representing 12 countries, including Iran, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and India. Notably, the only teams absent from the competition are Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Kaushik expressed confidence in India’s capabilities, recalling that India had won the inaugural ISTC medal and believes that the nation will secure victory once again. He noted, “India is the winner of the last medal in India International Soft Tennis, and this time, we are confident we will win a medal.”
Highlighting the successful organization of these prestigious championships, Kaushik indicated that they have attracted athletes from 15 countries, showcasing the global popularity of soft tennis. He appreciated the support from local authorities that has significantly contributed to the success of the event. Kaushik remarked, “All the overseas players from different parts of the world are pleased.”
Moreover, Kaushik applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancing the sports landscape in India, mentioning initiatives such as the Fit India movement and the Prime Minister’s engagement with athletes prior and post-competitions to bolster their morale. He stated, “Our Prime Minister Modiji has taken sports to another level… the excitement among players and federations will rise. “,
In summary, Abhishek Kaushik’s remarks highlight the complex interplay between sports and political concerns, particularly in relation to terrorism. His support for the government’s visa decision reflects a broader stance on the integrity of sports. The upcoming championships promise significant global participation, while the Prime Minister’s involvement indicates a strong governmental commitment to advancing sports in India.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
