India’s participation in the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas has been thrown into uncertainty after the United States refused visas to nine Indian wrestlers.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said the wrestlers were reportedly denied visas over their employment status and because they are under 20 years old.
The affected athletes appeared for their visa appointments at the US Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 7. They were verbally informed about the decision after their interviews, following which their passports were returned.
The U23 World Championships are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from October 12 to 18.
Former U17 World Champion Among Those Denied Visa
One of the wrestlers whose visa application was refused is Neha Sangwan, who won the U17 World Championship in 2024.
The WFI has now written to the US Embassy, asking it to reconsider the visa decisions. The federation has also raised concerns over other members of the Indian team who are scheduled to attend their visa appointments on Thursday.
According to the WFI, 24 members of the Indian contingent appeared for their appointments on Wednesday. The group included 16 wrestlers, nine of whom were denied visas.
WFI Seeks Reconsideration
The federation has argued that the age and employment status of the wrestlers should not become a hurdle, as the U23 category itself is meant for athletes aged between 18 and 23.
The WFI said several of the wrestlers are young athletes who are still focused on building their careers in the sport and therefore do not have formal jobs.
The nine wrestlers named by the WFI are Samarth Gajanan Mhakave, Dheeraj Kumar Malik, Sachin Kumar, Nikhil, Hardeep, Parveen, Ahilya Shatrughn Shinde, Neha Sharma and Neha Sangwan.
Concern Over Thursday’s Appointments
The WFI has also asked the US Embassy to reconsider the cases of the wrestlers who have already been denied visas.
At the same time, the federation is worried about the remaining members of the Indian contingent who are due to appear for their appointments on Thursday.
The WFI said it was “deeply concerned” because most of those wrestlers are also below 20 years of age and do not have formal employment.
“We are deeply concerned about the remaining wrestlers who are scheduled to appear at the Embassy for their visa appointments tomorrow, as most of them are also currently unemployed and below 20 years of age,” the federation said.
India’s Participation In Doubt
With the championships set to begin in less than a week, the visa issue has created uncertainty around India’s participation in Las Vegas.
The WFI is hoping the US Embassy will review the refused applications and allow the affected wrestlers to travel to the United States in time for the competition.
The U23 World Wrestling Championships will be held in Las Vegas from October 12 to 18.