China and India are likely to be at loggerheads over ‘stapled visas’ issue again during Asian Games 2023. For the unversed, the whole Indian wushu team pulled out of the World University Games, which begin on Friday in Chengdu, China. This choice was made in response to China’s decision to issue three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh stapled visas rather than stamped ones.
This same discrimination towards Arunachal Pradesh athletes could happen during Asian Games 2023 which is to be held in Hangzhou, China. If that happens, then it will be interesting how Indian Government will handle the situation given that they have already made their stance clear for the FISU Games.
Why is China issuing ‘stapled issues’ for Arunachal Pradesh players?
Over the years, China has consistently refused to stamp the visas of residents of Arunachal Pradesh over territorial issue. India has discussed this issue with the Chinese several times. Notably, China consider Arunachal Pradesh as a disputed territory.
Now with the denial of stamped visas, this issue with China has caught headlines again ahead of Asian Games 2023.
According to a federation spokesman, the wushu athletes submitted their visa requests on July 16. The remaining members of the team received prompt attention to their applications, however Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, did not have their papers approved.
After being told to submit new applications on Tuesday, the Chinese embassy returned their passports with stapled visas on Wednesday afternoon.
The administration delayed the team’s participation after learning of the selection until Thursday, when it was decided that India would not take part in the University Games’ wushu competition.
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How many Arunachal Pradesh athletes are participating in Asian Games 2023?
Mesom Singhi and Johny Mangkhiya, two of the top karate athletes in the North-east state, qualified for the 19th Asian Games 2023, last month.
In the trial selection held by the Sports Authority of India in June at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, they both won first place in their respective events.
Singhi, who turns 25 this November, will take part in the women’s kata competition. Mangkhiya, on the other hand, will take part in kumite.
Abab Sangdo from Arunachal also qualified for the Asian Games 2023 in China. He will take part in the men’s kata competition.
Five athletes from Arunachal have already earned spots in the competition. Radha Bangsia (taekwondo) and skater Nani Sonam are the other qualifiers.
More athletes can be expected from this north-eastern state of India, once squads for all sporting events get confirmed by the Indian government.
A continuous issue
Chinese authorities have previously rejected stamped visas for Arunachal leaders and athletes. In order to compete in Quanzhou, five state-based karate athletes were granted stapled visas in 2011.
Two years later, before the Youth World Championships, two archers were granted stapled visas. Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly the reason the manager of the Indian badminton team was refused a Chinese visa in 2016.
Now with change of stance of Indian government, Beijing has to carefully play their cards for Asian Games 2023.
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