India is creating a significant policy shift that could allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders to represent India in international sports competitions, especially in football and tennis. This is a power move that allows India to tap into the vast pool of talented sportspersons of Indian origin. This move aims to enhance India’s representation and boost the nation’s performance on global platforms.
Currently, a 2008 directive from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports restricts national representation to athletes who don’t hold valid Indian passports because India doesn’t recognise dual citizenship. This decision has contributed to India’s underwhelming representation in sports such as football, tennis, and swimming.
Noticing this drawback, the sports administration has decided to revise the rule to include OCI cardholders.
In the past, Indian-origin athlete Prakash Amritraj, the son of legendary tennis player Vijay Amritraj, was part of India’s Davis Cup team, while US-born tennis player Shikha Oberoi has represented the national team. After the 2008 policy implemented by then-sports minister M.S. Gill, they could not represent India because of the OCI cardholder ban, as they both hold US passports. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has stated that it has established a task force that will evaluate the feasibility of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and OCI footballers playing for the Indian national team.
The announcement of a potential policy shift could significantly impact the lives of many Indian-origin sportsmen residing abroad. They can use their skills and experience to represent the nation globally. India’s embrace of Indian-origin athletes can strengthen their competitiveness and help them achieve greater success in international gaming events.
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