Now Reading: Visa delays threaten Indian wrestlers’ U20 Worlds
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Visa delays threaten Indian wrestlers’ U20 Worlds
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
This is not the first time visa delays have hit Indian sport, and both sides must share the blame. The WFI says it tried repeatedly, but waiting until late July for a mid-August tournament suggests poor planning. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s silence is unacceptable for a host nation. The real test is whether the ministry’s intervention gets the embassy to respond before the Greco-Roman wrestlers’ scheduled departure, or whether another Indian team will be left stranded.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
