New Delhi: The government on Tuesday ruled out reconsidering its decision to pull
out from the South Asian Federation Games in Pakistan, saying there were genuine
security threats to its sportspersons in that country.
"How can we be assured of our players' security when not even our diplomats are safe
in Pakistan? The decision has been taken keeping the security of our contingent in
mind," Sports Minister Vikram Varma said.
The government decided not to send its contingent to the Games to be held in
Islamabad from March 29 to April 7, citing security threats from Taleban, al-Qaida
and other terrorist outfits operating from Pakistan.
The Indian Olympic Association on Monday said the decision was "unfortunate" and
requested the government to reconsider its stand.
But Varma said the decision was taken on the basis of reports of the Home Ministry
and intelligence agencies.
PTI
