In a move that could signal a turning point for Indian sport, the Sports Ministry is now considering lifting the ban on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) representing the country in tennis, days after a similar push emerged from Indian football.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey recently told the media, “I’m hopeful we’ll have OCI players in the national team soon. Talks are on with the Sports Ministry.” The comment, aimed at boosting Indian football’s talent pool, appears to have triggered wider discussions within the Ministry on reviewing the long-standing 2008 ban across multiple sports.
A senior source from the Ministry, speaking to Indian Tennis Daily, confirmed that tennis is now under active consideration. “Yes, the government is considering allowing OCI/PIO card holders for India. There is no harm in reconsidering the policy decision made in 2008,” the source said.
The 2008 rule change had a profound impact on Indian tennis. Among those affected was Prakash Amritraj, son of Indian legend Vijay Amritraj, who played in 10 Davis Cup ties for India between 2003 and 2008. Once the ban came into effect, he was no longer eligible to don national colours due to his U.S. passport, despite his Indian heritage and past contributions.
If this policy is reversed, it could open the floodgates for Indian-origin athletes across the globe to represent the country again, starting with tennis. For a sport that has seen limited depth in recent years, this shift could prove crucial in reviving India’s global competitiveness.
As talks gain momentum, Indian sport could be on the cusp of a more inclusive and dynamic future.