After Pahalgam Tragedy, India Spikes Participation in Pakistan Volleyball Tournament

In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror strike that left 26 dead, India withdrew its 30-member team from Islamabad's Central Asian Volleyball Championship that begins May 28. The decision, which was confirmed by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, follows the Indian government's withdrawal of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel due to heightened diplomatic tensions after the attack.

India has earlier promised to send 22 players and eight officials to the tournament, and participating teams include Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Organizers were left frustrated, mentioning that India might be replaced by Afghanistan or Sri Lanka.

The move is a reflection of the growing estrangement between India and Pakistan, with sporting ties once more in the firing line of global politics.

 

Sources: Times of India, Times Now