Arunachal weightlifter barred from world championship in China over stapled visa dispute

A weightlifter representing Arunachal Pradesh was unable to travel to China for a key world championship after Indian authorities issued a stapled visa, a document that does not grant full entry rights. The athlete, who had qualified for the event, was scheduled to compete in the upcoming meet, but the visa status barred his departure.
The stapled visa row stems from ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and China, where Indian officials have been reluctant to issue regular visas for certain Chinese nationals and vice‑versa. In this case, the Indian government chose the stapled format, prompting Chinese immigration officials to reject the entry request.
Sports officials in New Delhi have expressed disappointment, noting that the athlete’s preparation for the championship has been disrupted. They are reportedly reviewing legal options and seeking a swift resolution to enable the athlete’s participation in future international events.