Arunachal CM slams Beijing for denying visa to wushu athletes 

Arunachal Pradesh CM Khandu condemns China for denying visas to wushu athletes, urges IOC to address issue. Union Minister Rijiju slams Beijing, lodges strong protest. Thakur cancels visit to China as mark of protest.

GUWAHATI

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said China’s refusal to grant visas to the State’s wushu athletes for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou was unfortunate and a breach of established diplomatic norms. 

The athletes – Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu – received their accreditation cards from the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee. These cards also function as entry visas for the event. 

But the trio could not download their travel documents, essential for validation upon arrival in China. The delay in obtaining the necessary clearance has put a question mark on their participation in the Asian Games. 

“Beijing has acted against the established diplomatic norms and has shown utter disregard for the spirit of sports. People of Arunachal Pradesh, an integral part of Bharat, firmly stand by our players and vehemently oppose China’s abominable decision,” Mr. Khandu said on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday. 

He also appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to address this issue urgently. 

“We want the IOC to make Beijing realise the gravity of the violation they have committed and ensure the visas are immediately issued to our players,” he said.