New Delhi, May 7 -- India will maintain a blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, the union sports ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. However, Indian teams and players will compete in international events that also feature Pakistan, whose participation in events being hosted by India will also be allowed. The statement issued on Tuesday under the header 'India's policy towards international sporting events' said: "India's approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. In so far as bilateral sports events in each other's country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India." "...