Indian Wrestlers Face Visa Denials Ahead of U23 World Championships
Visa Issues Threaten Participation in U23 Championships
A number of Indian wrestlers, including Neha Sangwan, the 2024 U17 World Champion, have encountered visa rejections from the United States, casting doubt on their ability to compete in the U23 World Wrestling Championships scheduled in Las Vegas from October 12 to 18.
The wrestlers were informed verbally that their visa applications were denied due to their age, as they are under 20 years old and currently unemployed. Their passports were returned to them following their interviews at the embassy on Wednesday.
In response, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reached out to the US Embassy in New Delhi, requesting a review of the visa decisions and urging them to approve visas for wrestlers who have appointments on Thursday.
A letter from the WFI indicated that nine wrestlers were denied visas during the recent appointments.
The WFI noted, "Today, 24 individuals attended the Embassy for visa interviews, with 16 being wrestlers. Regrettably, nine wrestlers were denied visas, primarily due to their employment status and age constraints."
The federation emphasized that the upcoming championship is specifically for the U23 category, with participants aged between 18 and 23.
The WFI added, "Many of these young athletes are still focused on their sports careers and have not yet secured formal employment," while appealing for a reconsideration of the denied applications.
The wrestlers mentioned in the WFI's correspondence include Samarth Gajanan Mhakave, Dheeraj Kumar Malik, Sachin Kumar, Nikhil, Hardeep, Parveen, Ahilya Shatrughn Shinde, Neha Sharma, and Neha Sangwan.
The federation also expressed worries regarding the wrestlers who are set to attend their visa interviews on Thursday, noting that most of them are also unemployed and under 20 years of age.
The WFI stated, "We are extremely concerned about the remaining wrestlers scheduled for their visa appointments tomorrow, as the majority are also currently unemployed and below 20 years of age."