Kiren Rijiju, the Union Sports Minister, on Thursday said in Lok Sabha that the government's policy is to permit all qualified athletes belonging to any National Olympic Committee recognized by it to participate in the sporting events taking place in India.

"Athletes belonging to national federations affiliated to International Federation concerned to participate in international sporting events in India are also allowed to take part," Rijiju added.

The Union Minister was replying to a question in the Lok Sabha whether visas would be granted to athletes from all countries including Pakistan in events taking place in India.

"Stated policy of the Indian government is to permit all qualified athletes belonging to any National Olympic Committee recognized by it or any national federation affiliated to International Federation concerned to participate in international sporting events in India," Kiren Rijiju further said.

"Every qualified athlete is welcomed to come to India to take part in any international event," he said.