"Discriminatory": Anurag Thakur On No China Visa To Arunachal Athletes

India registered strong protest with China, asserting its right to take "suitable measures" to safeguard its interests.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Friday condemned China's denial of visas to three Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, calling it "discriminatory" and against the Olympic Charter.

Two athletes, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu, despite being cleared by the Hangzhou Asian Games organizing committee, were unable to download their accreditation cards, which serve as entry visas to China. The third athlete, Nyeman Wangsu, was able to download the accreditation but was then denied entry to China.

In response, Mr Thakur, India's Sports Minister, cancelled his visit to China as a mark of protest.