Sports Minister will skip Asiad inaugural as China bars entry of Arunachal players

• Recently, the Union Sports Minister cancelled his visit to the Asian Games, due to China’s denial of entry to Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh.

The Asian Games

• The 19th Asian Games will take place in Hangzhou, China, from 23rd September 2023 to 8th October 2023.
• Originally scheduled to be held in 2022 and was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Asian Games is the biggest sports competition in Asia, held once every four years.
• They are organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
• The symbol for the Asian Games is the rising sun with interlocking rings.
• It is recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
• The first-ever Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951.
• Asian Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation from 1951 to 1978.
• Since 1982, the Olympic Council of Asia has regulated the Asian Games.
• India is a founder member of Asian Games and also the host of the first Asian Games.
• The 9th edition of the Asian Games was also held in New Delhi in November and December 1982.
• Appu, the Indian elephant, was the first mascot to be used for the Asian Games.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou, China:

• A total of 40 sports and 61 disciplines will take center stage across 54 competition venues in Hangzhou and five co-host cities.
• The mascots of the 19th Asian Games are a group of robots named: Chenchen, Congcong, Lianlaian.
• The torch of the 19th Asian Games is named "Eternal Flame". The design was inspired by the Liangzhu Culture of ancient Chinese Civilisation
• Esports and Breaking (Breakdance) are scheduled to make their inaugural appearances as recognized and official sporting events.

Prelims Takeaway

• 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, China
• Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).