Hangzhou, China – September 22, 2023 – Three Indian martial arts athletes hailing from the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh have been barred from participating in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The athletes, specializing in the discipline of wushu, faced clearance issues from the host country, leading to their forced withdrawal from the prestigious sporting event.
Wushu, also known as kung fu, is a versatile martial art with its roots in China.
According to reports from the Hindustan Times, the trio had received initial approval to participate from the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee. However, they encountered difficulties when trying to obtain their accreditation cards, which serve as entry visas to China.
The rest of the 10-member Indian wushu squad, along with the coaching staff, departed for Hangzhou on Wednesday, leaving the three affected athletes behind.
Neither the Indian Olympic Association nor the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an immediate response to requests for comment, as reported by the Agence France-Presse news agency.
This is not the first instance of friction between the two nations regarding the participation of athletes from Arunachal Pradesh. In July, the Indian wushu team had boycotted the World University Games in Chengdu after the same three athletes were granted stapled visas, instead of pasted ones. This move was seen as a symbol of China’s non-recognition of India’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh and drew strong condemnation from the Indian government.
Arunachal Pradesh, located on the eastern side of the Himalayas opposite Tibet, shares a deep-rooted Buddhist cultural heritage with its northern neighbor. The region also holds historical significance, as it served as a refuge for the Dalai Lama in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has since resided in India.
The denial of entry to these Indian athletes casts a shadow over the sporting event and exacerbates the ongoing territorial dispute between India and China.
Summary:
- Three Indian wushu fighters from Arunachal Pradesh have been prevented from participating in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
- The athletes received approval but encountered issues obtaining accreditation cards necessary for entry into China.
- The rest of the Indian wushu squad proceeded to Hangzhou without the affected athletes.
- Previous disputes over athlete participation have centered on China’s non-recognition of India’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
- Arunachal Pradesh shares a cultural heritage with Tibet and served as a refuge for the Dalai Lama in 1959.
- The incident adds to ongoing tensions surrounding the territorial dispute between India and China.