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The Asian Games 2026 have run into an unexpected issue ahead of the competition. Around four to five Indian athletes are reportedly still waiting for their Japan visas, raising concerns over their participation in the team's acclimatization camp near Tokyo.
India has sent a 207-member contingent for the Asian Games 2026 and will be looking to improve on its performance from the 2022 edition. Athletics is India's largest contingent at the event, making the visa delay a concern for the country's medal hopes.
Asian Games 2026: Japan Visa Delay Creates Fresh Trouble for India
Several members of India's athletics contingent have already reached Japan and are currently taking part in a short acclimatization camp near Tokyo.
The purpose of the camp is to help athletes adjust to the Japanese weather, conditions and environment before they move to Nagoya for the competition.
However, according to a PTI report, around four to five Indian athletes have not yet received their Japanese visas. The delay could affect their preparation if they are unable to reach Japan in time.
5 Indian Athletes Yet to Receive Japan Visa Ahead of Asian Games
Officials from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) are reportedly hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon.
If the problem continues, the federation may also seek assistance from the Indian government to help speed up the visa process.
The delay has become a concern because the athletics events are scheduled to begin shortly, leaving the affected athletes with limited time to complete their preparations.
Why Are Indian Athletes Facing Delays in Getting Japan Visas?
The visa problem is reportedly linked to the application process. According to officials quoted in the report, VFS, the outsourcing company responsible for visa and passport administration, has insisted that applications should be submitted at the location where the passports were issued.
This requirement has reportedly contributed to delays in processing the visas of some Indian athletes.
Despite the situation, officials remain hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon.
VFS Visa Process Reportedly Behind Delay for Indian Athletes
The reported VFS requirement has created an additional hurdle for some members of the Indian athletics team.
With the Asian Games 2026 approaching, officials are working to ensure that the affected athletes can travel to Japan as quickly as possible.
If necessary, the Athletics Federation of India could approach the government for assistance in resolving the issue.
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Japan Visa Delay Could Cost Indian Athletes Crucial Acclimatization Time
The biggest concern for the Indian team is the potential loss of valuable acclimatization time.
Athletes who receive their visas late may not be able to spend enough time at the camp near Tokyo. There is also a possibility that some athletes could miss the camp entirely and travel directly to Nagoya to join the rest of the Indian contingent.
Missing the camp could reduce the time available for athletes to adjust to Japan's weather and local conditions before their events.
Indian Athletics Team to Train in Japan Before Moving to Nagoya
The Indian athletes who have already reached Japan will continue their training at Tsukuba University until September 20.
The team is expected to travel from Tokyo to Nagoya two days before the athletics events begin.
This schedule is designed to give the athletes enough time to complete their final preparations before entering competition.
Asian Games 2026 Athletics Events to Begin on September 23
The Asian Games 2026 athletics events are scheduled to begin on September 23 in Aichi-Nagoya.
Athletics is India's biggest contingent at the continental event and will be one of the country's major medal-winning hopes.
The Indian team will therefore be keen to ensure that the visa issue does not disrupt the preparation of the affected athletes.
India Eyes Bigger Medal Haul After Strong Asian Games 2022 Show
India will enter the Asian Games 2026 with the target of improving on its performance from the previous edition in 2022.
Athletics is expected to play a key role in India's medal campaign. Any disruption to the athletes' preparation could therefore be an unwanted setback for the contingent.
The AFI will now hope that the remaining athletes receive their Japan visas soon and can follow the team's planned schedule.
Asian Games 2026: Hockey and Cricket Teams Also Ready for Action
After athletics, hockey is India's second-largest contingent, with 40 members. The Indian hockey teams will also be among the country's major medal contenders.
Cricket will be another major attraction at the Asian Games 2026. Based on the ICC rankings, India is among the four teams that have received direct entry into the quarter-finals.
India's first cricket match at the Asian Games is scheduled for September 28.
With the Asian Games 2026 approaching, India will now hope that the Japan visa issue involving its athletes is resolved quickly and does not affect their final preparations.
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