ITANAGAR, September 27: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced that the three Wushu players from the state, who were unable to participate in the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, due to visa denial, will be considered as integral members of the Indian Wushu team at the Asian Games. The Chief Minister further revealed that they would receive incentives in accordance with the state’s sports policy.
The three athletes, namely Onilu Tega, Nyeman Wangsu, and Mepung Lamgu, were joined by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung, coach Maibam Premchandra Singh, Sports Secretary Abu Tayeng, and officials of the Arunachal Olympic Association and Arunachal Wushu Association in a meeting with Chief Minister Khandu at the state civil secretariat.
Despite being the first athletes from Arunachal Pradesh to qualify for the Asian Games, these players were unable to attend the event through no fault of their own. In response, Chief Minister Khandu pledged that each athlete would receive a cash incentive of Rs 20 lakhs, as per the state’s sports policy for Asian Games participants. Additionally, Coach Maibam Premchandra Singh will receive 10% of the incentives awarded to the athletes.
Encouraging the young Wushu players, Khandu advised them to intensify their training and set their sights on the 2026 Asian Games in Tokyo, Japan. He assured them that the state government would cover all expenses related to their training and dietary requirements for the upcoming event.
Khandu commended the efforts of the Arunachal Olympic Association and Arunachal Wushu Association for addressing the stapled visa issue with the Indian Olympic Association at the highest level and pledged the continued support of the state government.
The three athletes expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their unwavering support despite the disappointment of missing the Asian Games. They affirmed their determination to train harder for the 2026 Asian Games and vowed to bring medals home to make Arunachal Pradesh and India proud. Representing India on the international stage and contributing to the nation and state through sports remains their cherished dream.
