NEW DELHI, Feb 17: President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Suresh Kalmadi appealed the Indian government on Monday to reconsider its decision of not sending the country’s contingent for SAF Games in Pakistan.

“The government has written to the IOA saying we can’t participate in the Games in Islamabad,” Kalmadi, told reporters.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained in recent years because of a dispute over the region of Kashmir.

“It’s unfortunate the government is denying permission to the Indian squad. Non-participation in the SAF Games may affect the forthcoming Afro-Asian Games in India in October,” he said.

India has stopped all bilateral cricket matches between the two countries, but has not been opposed to the countries playing each other in multi-lateral events at neutral venues.

The two countries will face-off in a Group A match in the cricket World Cup in South Africa on March 1.

An Indian squash team travelled to Pakistan last week to participate in the Asian junior championships in Islamabad.

“The policy of the government so far has been to permit all sports between the two countries except cricket,” Kalmadi said.

“Besides, the SAF Games are not India v Pakistan but regional Games with many countries participating.”

India alleges that Pakistan has been arming and training militants in Kashmir since 1989, when separatists launched an uprising against New Delhi’s rule. Pakistan denies the charge.

The 15-discipline SAF Games start on March 29. — Reuters