Controversies mar China’s record

HANGZHOU: With no major security incidents and a record gold medal haul for their athletes, China will regard the 19th Asian Games, which ended on Sunday, as a soft power triumph that ticked a number of political, sporting and operational boxes for the hosts.

In reality, the nation’s first major sporting event in the post-Covid era was marred by diplomatic tensions, slapdash officiating and a dearth of accountability by the organising bodies.

Before their dazzling opening ceremony, the Hangzhou Games were overshadowed by a visa row that prevented three Indian athletes from competing.

The martial artists were from a region of India contested by China, and India’s sports minister cancelled a planned visit to the Games in protest.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), which runs the multi-sport event, said it was looking into the issue but never offered…