Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association UP, welcomed the Indian government’s decision to deny visas to the Pakistan and Bangladesh teams, citing that “terrorism and sports can’t go together.” He expressed confidence in India’s chances at the upcoming tournaments, which will feature athletes from 12 countries, except for Pakistan and Bangladesh. Kaushik praised PM Modi for promoting sports in India.
Abhishek Kaushik, the President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association of Uttar Pradesh, recently commented on the Indian government’s decision to deny visas to teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh for the upcoming tournaments. He emphasized the incompatibility of terrorism and sports, stating that the decision is welcome given the incidents occurring in both countries.
The second India International Soft Tennis Championship (ISTC) and the inaugural South Asian Soft Tennis Championship are being held from March 17 to 22, 2025, at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida. These prestigious tournaments have attracted approximately 150 athletes from 12 different nations, including Iran, Japan, and the Czech Republic, although Pakistan and Bangladesh will not be participating.
Kaushik expressed strong confidence in India’s performance, mentioning that the country won the first ISTC. He anticipates that India will secure a medal in this tournament too, highlighting their previous success and involvement in the World Championship in Korea.
In discussing the organization of the tournaments, Kaushik appreciated the participation from various countries while noting that only teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh were absent. He applauded the support received from local authorities and mentioned that all facilities are well-equipped for the international athletes.
Furthermore, Kaushik commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating the sports culture in India through initiatives like the Fit India movement and his engagement with athletes before and after competitions. He remarked that the Prime Minister’s involvement significantly motivates athletes and boosts the enthusiasm of sports federations.
In summary, Abhishek Kaushik has articulated a strong stance on the relationship between sports and terrorism, supporting the Indian government’s decision to deny visas to the Pakistan and Bangladesh teams. He remains optimistic about the potential achievements of the Indian team in the upcoming championships, while emphasizing the success of international participation from various countries, apart from the absent teams of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Kaushik also recognizes the positive influence of Prime Minister Modi on the sports culture in India.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
