China has politicised Olympics, Indian envoy won't attend opening or closing ceremony: MEA

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday accused China of politicising the

Beijing Winter Olympics

and announced that its envoy will not attend the opening or the closing ceremony.


The Indian announcement comes after China's move to honour a military commander involved in

Galwan

Valley clashes as its torchbearer for the mega sporting event.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it is regrettable that China is politicising the Olympics.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) regiment commander involved in the June 15, 2020 clash with India in Galwan Valley has been chosen by China to carry the Winter Olympic torch in Beijing.

The 2022 Winter Olympics will take place in Beijing from February 4 to 20. The US, UK and Canada are among countries that have declared a diplomatic boycott of the Games.

A US lawmaker had yesterday slammed China for choosing the PLA commander for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics torch relay.

"It's shameful that Beijing chose a torchbearer for the Olympics2022 who's part of the military command that attacked India in 2020 and is implementing genocide against the Uyghurs. The US will continue to support Uyghur freedoms and the sovereignty of India," said Senator Jim Risch, a Republican who is a Ranking Member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

(With inputs from agencies)