NEW DELHI: In a recent development, three Indian Wushu players hailing from Arunachal Pradesh have faced entry denial to China, raising concerns just days before the Asian Games. The trio, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, encountered difficulties with their accreditations, resulting in their inability to board the flight to Hangzhou, China, where the Asian Games are scheduled to take place.
The unfortunate incident unfolded after the rest of the Indian Wushu team, consisting of seven other players and support staff, successfully departed for Hong Kong. From there, they proceeded to board a connecting flight to Hangzhou, the host city of the Asian Games.
According to sources within the Indian Wushu team, one of the affected players had received accreditation, while the other two were awaiting approval. However, as the team embarked on their journey to China on Wednesday, September 20th, the two players still awaiting accreditation were barred from boarding the plane due to the lack of proper clearance.
Following this setback, the three players were swiftly returned to the Sports Authority of India hostel located at JLN Stadium in New Delhi. In an effort to address the issue, the Indian Wushu team has taken steps to engage with the organizing committee of the Asian Games and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). They remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached promptly.
Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, the Chef de Mission representing India at the Asian Games, expressed his involvement in resolving the matter. He disclosed that the accreditation issue stemmed from a technical glitch and emphasized that he had been in contact with OCA officials. Bajwa expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved by the evening, allowing the three affected players to join their teammates in China.
Earlier in the year, during the University Games held in July, the three Indian Wushu players had been issued stapled visas rather than stamped ones. In protest against this, India chose to withdraw its entire Wushu team from the event. However, with the Asian Games swiftly approaching, the current accreditation issue has taken precedence as the nation prepares to compete in the upcoming Wushu event scheduled to commence on September 24th.
Three Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh faced entry denial to China due to accreditation complications. The incident raised concerns within the Indian Wushu team just days before the Asian Games. Efforts are underway to resolve the matter with the hope that the players will soon be able to join their teammates in Hangzhou for the upcoming Wushu event.
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