NO BANNERS FOR ‘TAIWAN’ AT PARIS OLYMPICS

The Olympic Games are never just about exceptional athleticism and sportsmanship, as each edition tends to have its own share of controversies and political dramas. The ongoing Paris Olympics are no exception – from disputes over the poor condition of the Olympic village, domestic concerns regarding workers and the environment, the allegedly ‘anti-Christian’ opening ceremony, to the contentious gender identity issue involving an Algerian boxer, are to name a few. The latest controversy erupted on Friday, 2nd August, when a spectator was asked to leave for raising a green flag with “Taiwan” written over it.

The incident occurred during the Men’s Singles Badminton Quarter-final between Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen and India’s Lakshya Sen, as the two athletes competed for a place in the semi-finals in an intense and thrilling match. A spectator waved a green flag, a color often associated with Taiwanese sovereignty, bearing the message “Taiwan go for it.” According to Reuters, its journalists saw the spectator shouting while being escorted out of the venue mid-match while the Taiwanese shuttler was playing. Japan’s Kyodo News reported a similar incident during the men’s doubles semifinal match between Taiwan and Denmark. A fan had ‘Taiwan’ written over his towel which was confiscated by a member of staff.

The incidents did not go down well with Taiwan and its foreign ministry objected. It issued a statement condemning the incident as not only ignorant but also a serious violation of the Games’ civilized spirit and an infringement on freedom of expression. Its de facto ambassador to France, Francois Wu, reported the incident to local police and expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese fans.

An International Olympics Committee spokesman addressed the incident at a news conference, explaining that entry conditions to Olympic venues are clear in the tickets: only the flags of participating countries and territories are allowed, and banners with political messages are prohibited.

Following the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China (ROC) relocated to Taiwan while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) took control of the mainland. 1979 Nagoya Resolution, allowed the PRC to act as the official Chinese Olympic Committee, and the ROC was asked to compete as “Chinese Taipei.” But they protested and boycotted the 1980 Games. Ultimately, the issue was resolved in 1981. Since the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, the ROC agreed to compete under the name “Chinese Taipei,” a compromise that prohibits Taiwan’s name, flag, and anthem. Thus, China resists any recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation, including in the realm of sports.

Taiwan’s independence and future have been in the spotlight recently due to China’s increasingly belligerent moves. The island is also one of the focal points of the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China.

But well, the good news for Indian fans? Lakshya Sen defeated Chou Tien Chen, making history as the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semi-finals. He is now set for an epic clash with Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen.