ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Arunachal Pradesh weightlifter Charu Pesi has been withdrawn from the Indian contingent for the upcoming Senior World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China, after Chinese authorities indicated that he would be issued a stapled visa, reigniting the long-standing controversy over China's visa policy towards residents of the state.
Pesi, who was scheduled to represent India in the men's 65kg category, will miss the championships beginning October 27 after the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) declined to provide an undertaking accepting the stapled visa.
According to sources, the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre sought confirmation from the Federation whether Pesi would accept the stapled visa if issued. The IWLF consulted government officials, who reiterated India's position of not recognising stapled visas issued by China to residents of Arunachal Pradesh.
Following the consultations, the Federation decided against sending the athlete to the championships rather than accept the visa arrangement.
China has repeatedly issued stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh instead of regular visas stamped on their passports, a practice firmly rejected by India. New Delhi maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and opposes any attempt to question its sovereignty over the state.
Meanwhile, an eight-member Indian squad led by Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu is scheduled to compete at the championships, with visa processing for the other members of the contingent reportedly continuing as usual.
This is not the first time sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh have faced difficulties over Chinese visa restrictions. In 2023, Indian wushu athletes from the state - Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu - were unable to participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games after being issued stapled visas. The athletes had to return after reaching the airport, prompting strong objections from India.
Similar incidents involving Arunachal Pradesh sportspersons have also been reported at other international sporting events in China.
For Pesi, the latest development means losing an opportunity to compete at a major international championship while representing the country. The incident has once again highlighted how diplomatic tensions between India and China continue to affect athletes from Arunachal Pradesh participating in international competitions. (Agencies)