In a significant act of protest, India’s Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, has decided to cancel his scheduled trip to China. This move comes in response to China’s denial of entry to wushu athletes from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, who were set to participate in the 2023 Asian Games hosted by China.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement strongly condemning China’s deliberate and selective obstruction of Indian sportspersons. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that China’s actions not only violate the spirit of the Asian Games but also contravene the rules governing the conduct of such events, explicitly prohibiting discrimination against competitors from member states.
This decision by Anurag Thakur sends a clear message of India’s commitment to the fair and inclusive participation of its athletes in international sporting events. It also highlights the government’s determination to stand up against any form of discrimination and uphold the principles of equality and sportsmanship.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how China responds to this diplomatic protest and whether it will take corrective measures to ensure that all participating athletes are treated fairly and without prejudice during the 2023 Asian Games.