Indian Minister Cancels Visit to China Amidst Controversy Over Denial of Entry to wushu players

| 22 September 2023

| Christie Anto

New Delhi, India - India's Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has called off his planned visit to China as the Indian government raised a vehement protest following the denial of entry to three Indian wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh. The incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming 19th Asian Games scheduled to commence in Hangzhou on Saturday.

The players in question, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, were allegedly subjected to discrimination by Chinese authorities, who refused them entry in what the Ministry of External Affairs termed a "targeted and pre-meditated manner." A statement issued by the ministry strongly condemned China's refusal to grant accreditation to sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an "integral and inalienable part of India."

India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the country firmly rejects any form of differential treatment based on domicile or ethnicity and called upon China to uphold the spirit of the Asian Games and the rules governing their conduct, which explicitly prohibit discrimination against competitors from member states. The ministry also hinted at the possibility of taking suitable measures to safeguard India's interests in the matter.

Following the incident, the remaining members of the Indian wushu team, consisting of seven players and support staff, made their way to Hangzhou via Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu were returned to the Sports Authority of India hostel at Delhi's Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium.

A source within the Chinese Wushu team, who spoke to India Today on the condition of anonymity, revealed that they have raised the issue with the organizing committee of the Asian Games and the Olympic Council of Asia. They expressed hope that the matter would be resolved amicably.

China's Response

In response to the reports of Indian players being denied entry, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued a statement on Friday, saying, "As the host country, China welcomes athletes from all countries to come to Hangzhou to participate in the Asian Games with legal documents."

Regarding the territorial dispute over Arunachal Pradesh, Ning stated, "As to the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh,' the Chinese government doesn't recognize it. Zangnan (southern part of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region) is part of China's territory."

The denial of entry to Indian wushu players has escalated tensions between India and China at a time when the Asian Games are intended to foster friendly competition and cooperation among Asian nations. The situation remains fluid, with both countries standing firm in their positions, and the international community closely watching the developments.

As the Asian Games' opening ceremony approaches, efforts to resolve the issue and ensure fair treatment for all participating athletes will be critical to maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship and unity that these games are meant to represent.