Asian Games 2023: In protest of China’s denial of entry to wushu athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, Indian Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, has called off his planned visit to China. The development took earlier today when the news surfaced that three athletes have been denied entry to China for the Asian Games 2023.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur cancels China visit
Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, Arindam Bagchi, stated, “China‘s action violates both the spirit of the Asian Games and the rules governing their conduct, which explicitly prohibits discrimination against competitors from member states.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterised China’s action as a “targeted and premeditated” move.
This decision to cancel the tour serves as a protest following China’s denial of entry to three Indian wushu players, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. The remaining members of the Indian Wushu team, comprising seven players and staff, proceeded with their journey, flying to Hong Kong before taking a flight to Hangzhou, China.
Several lawmakers, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, have joined in condemning China’s decision. It has been confirmed that Thakur’s planned trip has been cancelled, and no other Indian officials will be visiting China for the Asian Games.
See Foreign Ministry’s official statement here
China’s controversial response
In response to reports concerning the denial of entry to Indian players in China, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, stated on Friday, “As the host country, China welcomes athletes from all countries to come to Hangzhou to participate in the Asian Games with legal documents. As to the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’, the Chinese government doesn’t recognise it. Zangnan (southern part of Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region) is part of China’s territory.”
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.