Breaking: India expressed objection to China on discrimination against players in Asian Games, Sports Minister canceled the tour in protest

In response to media queries on the denial of entry of some Indian athletes to the 19th Asian Games, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Government of India has learned that the Chinese authorities, in a targeted and premeditated manner, have denied entry to some Indian athletes from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. They have been discriminated against by denying them recognition and entry into the 19th Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China. Arindam Bagchi said that in line with our long-standing and consistent position, India strongly rejects discriminatory treatment of Indian citizens on the basis of domicile or ethnicity. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will remain an integral and inseparable part of India.

Arindam Bagchi further said that a strong protest has been lodged in New Delhi and Beijing against China’s deliberate and selective obstruction of some of our players. He said China’s actions violate both the spirit of the Asian Games and the rules governing their conduct, which explicitly prohibit discrimination against competitors from member countries. Furthermore, as a mark of our protest against the Chinese action, India’s Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports has canceled his scheduled visit to China for the Games. The Government of India reserves the right to take appropriate steps to protect our interests.

Let us tell you that the Asian Games are being organized in China. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur was to participate in this. However, after this action of China, he has canceled his tour. Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Olympic medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain will be the flag bearers of the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on September 23. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Wednesday decided to create a joint flag bearer for this continental tournament. This time a total of 655 Indian players are participating in the Asian Games, which is the largest contingent of the country so far.