File photo: AFP

Pakistani athletes yet again fell victim to India?s politics as Indian officials announced they will not allow Pakistani players to compete in the Pro Kabaddi League, starting from June 25 in Indian city of Pune.

Indian sports minister Vijay Goel, as cited by Indian media, said Monday that India will not allow visas to Pakistani Kabaddi players, even if they are picked in the auctions for the Pro Kabaddi League.

Pro Kabbadi League stirred a controversy in India by inviting around 10 Kabbadi players from Pakistan for the auctions; however, the Indian sports minister maintained that the league?s organisers did not have the authority to make them play. That remained within the jurisdiction of the Indian government, he added.

Pakistan's athletes have not been allowed to compete on the Indian soil for some time, following an escalation of tensions between the two countries late last year over the Line of Control.

FIH withdraws Pakistan from next month's junior Hockey World Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey became the latest victim of Pakistan India politics as continuous and undue delay by Indian authorities in issuing visas to Pakistani players forced the FIH to withdraw...

Tensions flared up yet again after Pakistan sentenced Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death earlier this year.

In November last year, Pakistan hockey players were forced to withdraw from the junior world cup in India after undue delay by Indian authorities in issuing visas to the players.