India pulls out of event in China over stapled visas for Arunachal athletes

India has withdrawn its entire wushu (martial art) team from the World University Games which begins at Chengdu in China on July 28.

The decision has been taken as a mark of protest against China’s decision to issue stapled visas instead of stamped ones to three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh.

According to coach Raghvendra Singh, the development happened hours after the airport authorities in New Delhi stopped an eight-member contingent, comprising five athletes, a coach and two support staff, at the boarding gate minutes before departure on Thursday midnight.

The contingent was stopped at the gate by immigration officials and CISF personnel. 

“They did not give any reason and claimed they were merely acting on the government’s instructions,” said coach Singh during an interview.

The controversy erupted after Beijing issued stapled, not stamped, visas to Indian athletes hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, who were to participate in the wushu (martial art) championship in China.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry for External Affairs (MEA) called the decision by China ‘unacceptable’.
 
“India reserves the right to suitably respond to such actions,” said the Ministry.