# Visa delays threaten Indian wrestlers’ U20 Worlds 2026-08-08T22:43:24+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Indian wrestlers selected for the U20 World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia (August 16-23) face missing the event because of visa delays. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) says it sought a visa appointment on July 21 but has yet to receive a date. It has written to the ministry of external affairs for help, while the Sports Authority of India has urged the sports ministry to intervene. A total of 45 members, including 30 wrestlers (10 each in Greco-Roman, women’s, and freestyle), nine coaches, three physiotherapists, and three referees, are to travel in batches. The WFI source told newindianexpress.com that the Slovakia embassy has not replied despite 15 requests over 10-12 days, casting serious doubt on participation. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com Tags: SAI, Slovakia, U20 World Championships, visa issues, WFI, wrestling Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/visa-delays-threaten-indian-wrestlers-u20-worlds/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/visa-delays-threaten-indian-wrestlers-u20-worlds/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.