It seems highly unlikely that Indian wrestlers will be able to participate in the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, USA, as the US has rejected the applications of nine wrestlers.
Indian Wrestlers’ US Visas Rejected, U23 World Championship Participation in Doubt
It now seems highly unlikely that Indian wrestlers will be able to participate in the U23 World Wrestling Championships, scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, USA, from October 12 to 18. Although the wrestlers had applied for visas at the US Embassy, the applications of nine athletes—including 2024 U17 World Champion Neha Sangwan—were rejected. The applicants had been called for visa interviews at the US Embassy in New Delhi on October 7; subsequently, their passports were returned along with the reasons for the visa rejection.
Reasons for US Visa Denial
According to the news agency PTI, the US Embassy stated that the visa applications of certain Indian wrestlers—who had applied to participate in the U23 World Wrestling Championship—were rejected because they were under 20 years of age and did not hold formal employment. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has requested the US Embassy in New Delhi to reconsider the matter and grant visas to the wrestlers whose interviews are scheduled for October 8. According to a letter written by the Federation, 24 participants—including 16 wrestlers—had visited the embassy today for their visa interviews.
However, reports indicate that the visas of nine wrestlers were rejected based on their employment status and age (being under 20). The Federation pointed out that the upcoming championship is for the Under-23 age category, in which participants aged 18 to 23 compete. In its request for reconsideration, the WFI noted that many of these young athletes are currently pursuing their sporting careers and, naturally, do not hold formal jobs.
Visa applications of these wrestlers, including Neha Sangwan, rejected
The wrestlers whose visa applications have been rejected—as detailed in the WFI letter—include Samarth Gajanan Mhakve, Dheeraj Kumar Malik, Sachin Kumar, Nikhil, Hardeep, Parveen, Ahilya Shatrughna Shinde, Neha Sharma, and Neha Sangwan. The letter also expresses concern regarding wrestlers who are yet to appear for their visa interviews and are unemployed and under the age of 20.
