Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh denied entry into China for 19th Asian Games, Hangzhou
Three Indian Wushu players from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu have been denied entry to compete in the Hangzhou Asian Games taking place in China.
As reported, two of the Indian wushu athletes were unable to download their accreditation cards – which act as visas to enter China. The third Indian wushu athlete from Arunachal who got her accreditation card was informed that she would not be permitted to travel beyond Hong Kong.
The players need to be in Hangzhou by September 24, but the delay in Visa will most likely result of them being forced out of the 2023 Asian Games. The rest of the Indian Wushu contingent have left for China already.
It may be noted here that China issued ‘Stapled visas’ as political tool that to assert its illegitimate claim over Arunachal Pradesh. Stapled visa is a separate piece of paper instead of being stamped directly in the passport. The Chinese government began issuing ‘stapled visas’ to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh in 2009.
The action of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee seems heavily under the pressure of the Chinese Government to send a political message to the Indian Government.
Even in the past, the Government of China has used sports as a political tool to assert its claim over Arunachal Pradesh. In 2011, weightlifter and karate players from Arunachal Pradesh were denied entry into the sports tournament using the ‘stapled visa’ tactics.
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement on the issues of Indian sportspersons being denied entry into 19th Asian Games alleging that the Chinese authorities have acted in a ‘targeted’ and ‘pre-meditated’ manner in discriminating against the players from Arunachal Pradesh.
Our response to media queries on some Indian sportspersons being denied entry into 19th Asian Games:https://t.co/wtoQA8zaDH pic.twitter.com/cACRspcQkD
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2023
Denial of visas to talented Wushu athletes from our Arunachal Pradesh by China is unfortunate. They were to take part in Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Beijing has acted against the established diplomatic norms and has shown utter disregard for the spirit of sports.
People of… https://t.co/EYBey5fGy3
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) September 22, 2023
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu said that “denial of visas to talented Wushu athletes from our Arunachal Pradesh by China is unfortunate. They were to take part in Asian Games in Hangzhou. Beijing has acted against the established diplomatic norms and has shown utter disregard for the spirit of sports. People of Arunachal Pradesh, an integral part of Bharat, firmly stand by our players and vehemently oppose China’s abominable decision. We want the International Olympic Committee to make Beijing realize the gravity of the violation they have committed and ensure the visas are immediately issued to our players.”
There are many other sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh representing the Indian contingent in karate, taekwondo, and skateboarding at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The Indian sports ministry is yet to have a final say on the matter, but officials say that they are confident of the participation of athletes from Arunachal Pradesh in the Asian Games. The Asian Games are held under the auspices of the Olympic Council of Asia and International Olympic Committee that organizes multi-sport events like the Asian Games and Olympics.
It may well be hoped that the sports will be used in the right spirit of the Games rather than as to tool for political positioning and ego-massaging for few.
