India and China have been engaged in a territorial dispute for quite some time now. This dispute has not started impacting other aspects like sports. Recently, three wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh were issued stapled visas instead of the regular stamped ones. This evoked considerable backlash from the Indian government. It culminated in India pulling out of the games and refusing participation in the games as a protest against the discriminatory action.
China Issues Stapled Visas To Indian Players
The territorial dispute between China and India has started impacting sports as well, it seems. Recently, three players from the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh were on their way to Chengdu in China. They were supposed to participate in the Wushu tournament at the World University Games which is currently ongoing.
However, the three women players, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, were issued a stapled visa instead of the regular stamped one. This was not taken very well by the Indian government who responded by withdrawing participation in the games.
This is not the first time that China has shown such discrimination toward Indian players who were from Arunachal Pradesh. Two archers also received stapled visas in 2017. In 2011 around five karate players were also issued stapled visas.
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What Is A Stapled Visa?
A stapled visa is different from the regular kind of visa, which is stamped. Regular visas are stamped in the passports, whereas stapled visas are merely attached to the passport by a stapler pin. By issuing stapled visas, China has failed to show regard to the players that are due to them.
The reason why players from Arunachal Pradesh have been consistently discriminated against by China is the territorial dispute between the two countries. China claims that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of its territory while India vehemently denies this. This has led to tensions between the two countries and it is now starting to bleed into other aspects as well.
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What do you think about this move by the Indian government? Do you think it’s a valid response? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images (Representational)