Pakistan Declines India's Invitation to Asian Fencing Championships

Pakistan has decided against sending its team to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from June 19. The decision comes despite an invitation extended by the local organizers to the neighboring country.

India is hosting the prestigious continental event for the first time, anticipating participation from fencers representing more than 30 nations across Asia and Oceania. Approximately 100 delegates and technical officials are expected to oversee the championships.

The Fencing Association of India (FAI) secretary general, Rajeev Mehta, confirmed that invites were sent to Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We sent an invite to Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, to participate in the championships but they chose not to send their fencers," Mehta told the Press Trust of India (PTI). He added that the deadline for entries has passed, and visa procurement for other athletes and officials is underway.

This decision follows a statement from the Indian Sports Ministry last month, which reiterated a ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. However, the ministry had also clarified that athletes from Pakistan would not be prevented from participating in multilateral events hosted in India. Despite this assurance, Pakistan has opted not to submit entries for its fencers.

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We sent an invite to Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, to participate in the championships but they chose not to send their fencers.