China Politicizes The Winter Olympics
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2022-02-04 06:46:21
About the Author
Trust China to politicize a sporting event and degrade the image of something as important as the Olympics. It has chosen a regiment commander of the People's Liberation Army that fought a bloody battle with Indian Army soldiers in Galwan which resulted in 20 casualties on the Indian side to be one of the torchbearers for the Winter Olympics being held in the country. India has protested strongly and no diplomats from India will attend either the opening or the closing ceremonies of the Games.
Carrying the torch ahead of the Games is a tradition that is done by athletes and sportspersons of the host country. Normally, others are not expected to carry the hallowed torch which is only for those who excel in the sporting arena. By choosing regiment commander Qi Fabao to carry the torch on one of its legs, China has broken tradition and politicized the event. It has unnecessarily needled India and tried to give legitimacy to its misadventures on the border. The IOC should take note and seriously reprimand China, perhaps blacklist it from hosting Olympic events for a few years.
There actually was no need for inducting Qi Fabao in the torch relay which was being carried out by celebrated Chinese athletes and sportspersons. But the Chinese always try to display their agenda on the world stage. They knew that India would protest and the news will be flashed across the world. This is what they wanted. They wanted to tell the world that what they did in Galwan Valley was right and they were honouring the regiment commander who fought 'valiantly' by inducting him to carry the torch.
But there are military and civilian awards to honour those a country thinks did it proud. Sporting events are not for geopolitical dogfights or scoring points. The Chinese action is a new low for the Olympics.
