Amid the contentious issue of China’s refusal to grant regular visas to three Wushu athletes hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, chosen to represent India at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the incident, deeming it “shameful.” Tharoor has urged the Indian government to register a robust protest with Chinese authorities in Beijing.
Tharoor emphasized the importance of ensuring that every accredited athlete is allowed entry into China with valid visas and is allowed to participate in sporting events. He stated, “While everyone is rightly celebrating the medals that India is winning daily at the Hangzhou #AsianGames, let’s not forget that China disgracefully refused to allow three Indian athletes entry into their country because they were born in Arunachal Pradesh.”
Expressing his concern, Tharoor lamented that the three Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh would not have the opportunity to compete for medals or share in the pride of their fellow Indians’ achievements at the event.
He continued, “China’s conduct is shameful and when the Games are over, India should protest officially and demand that the country be denied the right to host any future international sporting contest until they permit every accredited athlete to enter and participate.”
The three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh – Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu – were originally slated to participate in individual matches at the Guali Cultural and Sports Centre in Xiaoshan district.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, deeming this discriminatory act as unacceptable, canceled his visit to China in protest, underscoring that it contradicts the Olympic Charter. He stated, “It is not acceptable to India, and I have cancelled my trip to China on these grounds as they have denied the opportunity to the players from Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of the Asian Games. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.”
Onilu and Mepung, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh and approved to participate by the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 Organizing Committee, were unable to download their accreditation cards, which serve as visas for entry into China. Nyeman, the third athlete, who managed to download her accreditation, was informed that she would not be permitted to travel beyond Hong Kong. These athletes were slated to compete in individual events within the martial arts sport of Wushu.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also condemned China’s actions, emphasizing that they go against both the spirit of sports and the regulations governing the conduct of the Asian Games.
In support of the affected athletes, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) announced that they are providing care and support to the three athletes, who are currently accommodated at the SAI Hostel.
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