Diplomatic Row Over Athlete Entry Mars Asian Games 2023
India’s Union Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur, has cancelled his China visit plan for the upcoming Asian Games 2023. This move comes after of an escalating controversy surrounding the accreditation and entry of three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh has been denied by the China Authorities for the Asian Games.
The three athletes are wushu (martial arts) players from Arunachal Pradesh.
Chinese Denial of Accreditation Sparks Outrage
Tensions flared when Chinese authorities denied accreditation and entry to a select group of sportspeople from Arunachal Pradesh who had been eagerly preparing to represent India at the prestigious Asian Games. The denial of entry to these athletes has sparked outrage both in India and abroad. This cast a shadow over the sporting event.
India’s Firm Stand on Discrimination at the Asian Games 2023
In reaction to the growing dispute, India’s foreign ministry spokesman, Arindam Bagchi, chastised China.
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”. This statement underscores India’s unwavering commitment to fair play and equality in sports.
The MEA said it a ‘target and pre-mediated decision and reiterated its stance on territorial boundaries.
Arunachal Pradesh: An Integral Part of India
Furthermore, Bagchi reiterated India’s uncompromising position on the status of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing that it is, and will always remain, an integral and inalienable part of India. He made it clear that domicile or ethnicity should not be grounds for differential treatment of Indian citizens, whether in the realm of sports or any other domain.
Bipartisan Condemnation of China’s Decision
The controversy has transcended party lines in India, with lawmakers from various political backgrounds expressing their condemnation of China’s actions. Union Minister of Earth Sciences, India Kiren Rijiju who is a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, strongly criticized China’s decision. He said via X, “I strongly condemn this act by China to deny visas to our Wushu Athletes from Arunachal Pradesh who were to participate in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. This violates both the spirit of Sports & also the Rules governing the conduct of Asian Games, which explicitly prohibits discrimination against competitors from member states. Arunachal Pradesh is not a disputed territory but inalienable part of India. Entire people of Arunachal Pradesh resolutely oppose any illegal claim of China on it’s land and people. International Olympic Committee should reign in China’s illegitimate action.”
Official Visit Cancellation and a Strong Message
Given the seriousness of the situation and the need to convey a strong message, the official announcement confirmed that Anurag Thakur’s planned tour to China had been cancelled. Additionally it was declared that no other Indian officials would attend the Asian Games hosted by China. This bold move underscores India’s firm stance against discrimination based on domicile or ethnicity.
International Call for Intervention
Rijiju also called upon the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to intervene and address China’s actions. Which he deemed illegitimate.
