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India-China relations

Arunachal weightlifter Charu Pesi withdrawn from world championships in China over stapled visa

16 Oct 2026 · 2 outlets · 1 min read

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In 30 seconds
  1. Charu Pesi, a 65kg lifter from Kra Daadi district, will miss the world championships in Ningbo, China.
  2. China's visa centre sought confirmation he would accept a stapled visa; India does not recognise such visas.
  3. In July 2023 India withdrew its wushu team from games in Chengdu after three Arunachal athletes got stapled visas.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) withdrew Arunachal Pradesh lifter Charu Pesi from the Senior World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China, after Chinese authorities indicated he would get a stapled visa, The Times of India reported on 16 October 2026. A stapled visa is issued on a loose sheet instead of being stamped in the passport. Government officials told the federation that India does not recognise such visas. The rest of the eight-member squad, led by Mirabai Chanu, is still set to compete.

What it means for India

China's stapled visas for Arunachal residents reflect its claim over the state, which India rejects. Arunachal athletes lose chances to compete in China; Pesi said missing the event hurts his preparation for the 2028 Olympics.

Checked

Claim by claim

✓Verified

The IWLF withdrew Charu Pesi after Chinese authorities indicated he would be issued a stapled visa.

Reported by The Times of India, citing sources, and by The Arunachal Times, which spoke to Pesi.

The Times of India · The Arunachal Times
✓Verified

India does not recognise stapled visas issued by China to residents of Arunachal Pradesh.

Both reports say government officials restated this long-standing position to the federation.

The Times of India · The Arunachal Times
Honest gaps

Not yet known

  • ?Reports differ on the championship dates: The Times of India says they begin on 24 October, The Arunachal Times says 28 November to 8 December.
  • ?Whether China has commented on the case; our sources include no Chinese statement.
Who reported this

Sources

Centre · 2

2 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.

  1. The Times of IndiaChina's stapled visa row costs Arunachal weightlifter shot at World Championships
  2. The Arunachal TimesChina's stapled visa requirement dashes Arunachal weightlifter's hopes

Spasht writes original summaries. Follow the links to read each outlet's own report. Revision 1.

Arunachal weightlifter Charu Pesi withdrawn from world championships in China over stapled visa | Spasht