Abhishek Kaushik comments on the visa denial for Pakistan and Bangladesh teams, reinforcing the stance that terrorism and sports are incompatible. He expresses confidence in India’s chances in the upcoming championships and praises Prime Minister Modi’s support for sports.
Abhishek Kaushik, President of the Amateur Soft Tennis Association of Uttar Pradesh, expressed his views regarding the visa denial for the Pakistan and Bangladesh teams ahead of the India International Soft Tennis Championship (ISTC) and the South Asian Soft Tennis Championship 2025. He stated, “this decision is for the Indian government, and we welcome it. We do not support terrorism, and sports cannot go together.” The tournaments are scheduled to take place at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida from March 17 to 22, 2025, with around 150 athletes from various countries including Iran, Cambodia, Japan, and others participating.
Kaushik emphasized India’s strong performance in previous championships, expressing confidence that the team would secure a medal again. He remarked, “India is the winner of the last medal in India International Soft Tennis, and this time, we are confident we will win a medal.” He also mentioned the successful organization of the tournament and the positive feedback from participating countries.
Highlighting the international participation, Kaushik noted that representatives from 15 countries, such as Hungary and Colombia, are involved, excluding only Pakistan and Bangladesh. He expressed gratitude towards the Indian authorities for their support in organizing the events, emphasizing the quality of facilities provided to the players.
Kaushik praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to elevate sports in India through initiatives like the Fit India movement and his engagement with athletes. He stated, “When our PM stands shoulder to shoulder with players, the excitement among players and federations will rise.” This reflects the growing support for sports and athletes in the nation.
In conclusion, Abhishek Kaushik’s statements underscore the importance of aligning sports with principles against terrorism, reiterating the welcoming stance towards the Indian government’s action on visa denials for certain teams. The upcoming ISTC and South Asian Soft Tennis Championship are set to showcase international talent while reaffirming India’s commitment to sportsmanship and excellence, supported by governmental initiatives that foster athlete morale.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
