Relations between the two countries worsened after the attacks

India has sent its first sports team to Pakistan since the November 2008 Mumbai (Bombay) bombings which killed 174 people.

A seven-member junior boxing team flew to Karachi to compete in an international tournament.

The 2008 attacks were blamed by India on militants based in Pakistan.

India did not allow its cricket team to tour Pakistan in 2008, citing security fears, while Pakistan sent tennis, squash and snooker players to India.

Following the decision to allow the boxing team to travel to Pakistan, Indian coach Shiv Singh told the Press Trust of India: "We have no security concerns, the focus is on boxing and the rest is in the hands of our hosts."

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Indian boxers Sanjay Singh, Naresh Singh and Parnoj Singh will compete in the event, attended by about 20 teams and which opens on Friday.

Pakistan Boxing Federation chief Doda Khan Bhutto said more than 5,000 security personnel would be deployed around the venue and the hotel where the teams are staying.

"The government is aware that after a long time we are hosting such a big international sporting event and we want to ensure it is held smoothly and successfully as this would pave the way for more teams to come to Pakistan in other sporting events," Sindh Sports Minister Muhammad Ali Shah said.

Talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours collapsed after the Mumbai attacks.

In March eight people died in an attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in the eastern city of Lahore - seven Sri Lankan players and a coach were wounded.

Correspondents say that attack all but destroyed Pakistan's hopes of hosting top-level international sport.