Arunachal Weightlifter Charu Pesi Withdrawn from World Championships Over Visa Row

Arunachal Pradesh: Weightlifter Charu Pesi has been withdrawn from the Indian team for the Senior World Weightlifting Championships in China after Chinese authorities indicated he would be issued a stapled visa. Pesi was scheduled to compete in the men’s 65 kg category at the championships beginning October 27 in Ningbo.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation declined to accept the visa arrangement, following consultations with government officials, citing India’s opposition to stapled visas for Arunachal Pradesh residents. India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and rejects China’s practice of issuing such visas to its residents.