The 3 were to participate in the martial arts event

They were unable to download their accreditation cards

The MEA highlighted this as discrimination by the Chinese authorities

Three Indian athletes belonging to Arunachal Pradesh failed to get clearance from the Chinese government for the Asian Games that would be held in Hangzhou between September 23rd 2023 to October 8th 2023. The 3 were part of the martial arts event (wushu) that was scheduled to commence on 24th September. Despite having received approval from the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee they were unable to download their accreditation cards which are essential for the security check-up. 

Arunachal Pradesh being a border state between India and China has been a point of conflict between the 2 nations with both nations claiming stake over the land. China had even added portions of Arunachal Pradesh in their official map. 

The government of India has characterised this as a case of discrimination by the Chinese authorities.  “The Government of India has learned that the Chinese authorities have, in a targeted and premeditated manner, discriminated against some Indian sportspersons from the state of Arunachal Pradesh by denying them accreditation and entry to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. In line with our long-standing and consistent position, India firmly rejects differential treatment of its citizens based on domicile or ethnicity. Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India,” a Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated regarding this issue.