Asian Games 2023: Kalyan Chaubey, interim secretary of the Indian Olympic Association, stated that the IOA has taken a firm stance against China over the refusal of a visa to three Indian wushu athletes.
- For the Asian Games, 3 Indian wushu competitors were refused visas to China.
- The three Indian athletes are from Arunachal Pradesh.
- India sent their largest delegation to the Asian Games, 655 athletes, to China.
In a formal letter to the Olympic Council of Asia, the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) expressed their displeasure over the denial of three Indian Wushu athletes' requests for visas to attend the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
IOA joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey stated the national organisation has taken a strong stance against the refusal of visas for 3 Indian wushu players in an interview with India Today. IOA wrote to the OCA about the matter, according to sources.
We have carefully noted the problem. The Indian contingent and the two nations are involved in this delicate matter, Kalyan Chaubey added.
The IOA was reportedly thinking about skipping the opening ceremony. Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain led the Indian contingent at the Parade of Nations, and India eventually made it to the glitzy opening ceremony in Hangzhou.
Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, three Indian wushu players, were refused entry to China. On September 22, the remaining members of the Indian Wushu team—7 players and staff—flew to Hong Kong and then took a flight to Hangzhou, China.
They are all from Arunachal Pradesh, three players from India. One of them had obtained the accreditation, and two others were awaiting it, but when the team departed for China on Wednesday, September 20, they were denied boarding due to a lack of proper approval.
The athletes were transported back to JLN Stadium's Sports Authority of India dormitory.
