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Journalism of Courage
A Pakistan judo team that were to take part in the Rajiv Gandhi International Judo Championship beginning in Jaipur from Monday have pulled out citing unavoidable circumstances.
The 18-member contingent,including seven men and seven women athletes,planned to reach the Wagah border on Saturday and take a train to Jaipur on Sunday. But a last-minute refusal by the Pakistan government has forced the team to cancel the trip,according to Judo Federation of India (JFI) secretary-general Mukesh Kumar.
In an email to Kumar on Friday,a copy of which is with The Indian Express,the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) secretary-general Masood Ahmed has apologised for not being able to make the trip after having confirmed the teams participation. Due to some unavoidable circumstances it seems difficult to participate in the event,for which we feel embarrassed, Ahmed said.
Though Ahmed has not mentioned the exact reason for the withdrawal,it is reliably learnt that the Pakistan government refused permission. We hope you will recognise our position and will not mind, said Ahmed in his communication,while thanking the JFI for its untiring efforts to get the Indian governments clearance as well its liaison with the Indian mission at Islamabad to secure the necessary visas.
The JFI official said he was disappointed as the local organisers had made all arrangements to receive the team in Jaipur. We were planning a surprise gift for the Pakistan team members and making arrangements for them to visit Ajmer Sharif, Kumar said.
Earlier,the JFI had taken up the matter with the external affairs and the Union home ministries to get a nod for the team. We received communication from our mission in Islamabad regarding visas and the Pakistan team was to visit today to get their visa stamped, Kumar added.
