The three athletes didn’t travel to China in July for the World University Games after Beijing issued them stapled, rather than pasted, visas.
With three Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, being denied entry to China for the Asian Games 2023, a significant controversy has arisen. However, the remaining contingent, consisting of seven players and staff, successfully traveled to China via Hong Kong.
While Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu have dominated the news, it is intriguing to delve into their backgrounds. Wangsu, currently 23 years old, participated in the 1st Khelo India Women's Senior National Wushu League earlier this year. Notably, Wangsu secured the gold medal in the Changquan style of Taolu, a predetermined routine in Wushu.
On the other hand, Onilu Tega, who was set to compete in the 52 KG category at the Asian Games in China, made headlines in October 2022 by defeating Manisha Bhati and reaching the semi-finals of the National Games in Gujarat. Tega's qualification for the Asian Games was confirmed on July 1st, and Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung, representing the state government, extended their best wishes, as quoted by the Arunachal Observer.
"It’s a matter of great pride for Mishmi community as you will be the first to take part in the global sports event. The entire Arunachal Pradesh, Lohit and Anjaw districts in particular, wish you to win laurels for the country."
Mepung Lamgu emerged victorious in the National Games in Gujarat last year, securing gold in both Taijiquan and Taijijian all-round events. Lamgu continued her winning streak by claiming another gold medal in Taijiquan at the International Wushu Championship held in Moscow in February 2022.
In light of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the denial of entry to China for three athletes, India has expressed its discontent by lodging a protest against China. As a symbol of this protest, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has decided to cancel his travel plans.
On Friday, Beijing defended its decision to refuse entry to the three Indian athletes by stating that they lacked valid documentation. However, a high-ranking official from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) contradicted this claim, stating that the athletes had indeed been granted visas for the Hangzhou Asian Games and were not barred from entry.
"These India athletes already got a visa to enter China. China didn't refuse any visa," OCA honorary life vice president Wei Jizhong, who is from China, told a press briefing in Hangzhou.
READ| MotoGP Bharat: Spain's Alex Marquez suffers severe crash, excluded from main draw
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Image Source: Twitter")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}