New Delhi: Another sporting flashpoint in India-China ties has cost weightlifter Charu Pesi a shot at the world stage, with the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) withdrawing the Arunachal Pradesh athlete from the upcoming Senior World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo after Chinese authorities indicated that he would be issued a stapled visa.Sources told TOI that the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASS) here sought an undertaking from the Indian federation confirming Pesi’s acceptance of the visa.The IWLF consulted government officials, who maintained that India does not recognise stapled visas issued by China to residents of Arunachal Pradesh. The federation subsequently decided against sending the men’s 65kg lifter to the championships, which begin on Oct 24.An eight-member Indian squad, led by Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu, is scheduled to compete in Ningbo, with visa processing for the rest of the contingent continuing as usual.Unlike a regular visa stamped on a passport, a stapled visa is issued on a separate piece of paper. Beijing’s practice of issuing such visas to Arunachal Pradesh residents reflects its refusal to recognise India’s sovereignty over the region. India has consistently rejected the practice, viewing it as a challenge to its territorial integrity.This is far from an isolated incident. In July 2023, three Arunachal Pradesh wushu athletes, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu, were issued stapled visas for the Summer World University Games in Chengdu. India protested and withdrew its entire wushu contingent.The dispute resurfaced ahead of the Hangzhou Asian Games later that year, when the athletes faced entry and accreditation hurdles, preventing them from competing.For the lifter, it is a bitter setback. The championships would have offered valuable international exposure, with crucial ranking points at stake in the qualification race for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
